On October 16th, the European Commission revealed a working plan focused on monitoring progress and achieving critical defence capabilities for European Union members by 2030. This plan, known as the Preserving Peace – Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030, builds upon the White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030 from March and the broader ReArm Europe/Readiness 2030 initiative. The ReArm Europe package aims to stimulate up to €800 billion ($933 billion) in defence investment using a mix of financial strategies.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the roadmap as “a clear plan with shared goals and concrete milestones on our path to 2030.” It represents the latest effort to strengthen Europe's military autonomy amidst growing tensions with Russia and global instability. The roadmap translates the priorities set in the white paper – closing capability gaps, focusing on essential technologies, and preparing for potential crises – into concrete milestones and four EU-wide "flagship" programs: European Drone Defense Initiative, Eastern Flank Watch, European Air Shield, and European Space Shield.

The roadmap also details plans for a unified EU military mobility area by 2027. This would involve harmonizing regulations and creating a shared network of land, air, and sea routes for rapid troop movement. European Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius stated during the presentation that “this plan is how we are going to mobilize ourselves, member states, and EU institutions to deliver. The roadmap is about delivery planning, and about delivery of flagships.”

The four flagship programs are designed as expansive, pan-European projects. They will require coordinated capabilities, infrastructure, logistics, and greater EU coordination to unlock funding and support. Key aspects of the initiatives include:

  • European Drone Defense Initiative: Developed in response to recent drone incidents, this initiative aims to coordinate interoperable counter-drone systems for detection, tracking, and neutralization, aligning with NATO operations. Initial capability is expected by the end of 2026, with full functionality in 2027.
  • Eastern Flank Watch: This involves a multi-layered land, air, and sea presence along the EU's eastern border, integrating air and counter-drone defences with ground systems, maritime security in the Baltic and Black Seas, and enhanced situational awareness. Initial capacity is planned for the end of 2026, with full functionality by the end of 2028.
  • European Air Shield: An integrated air and missile defense layer, designed to be interoperable with NATO. Launch is scheduled to begin by the second quarter of 2026.
  • European Space Shield: Focused on protecting space assets and services, integrating with Galileo, IRIS², and other dual-use systems. Emphasis will be placed on space domain awareness, anti-jamming, and in-space operations. The launch is planned for the second quarter of 2026.

Funding for ReArm Europe/Readiness 2030 is to be achieved by incorporating national spending, a proposed loan instrument (SAFE, Security Action for Europe), and mobilizing private capital through the Savings and Investment Union and the European Investment Bank (EIB). Kubilius emphasized the importance of the roadmap, stating: “The implementation of the roadmap is giving a very heavy task and mandate to the Commission, to the EU institutions, and to Member States. This will demand huge efforts on our side to deliver.”