On drones and new systems of warfare – the EU’s need to adapt to be fit for today’s security challenges
A-10-2025-0270
Committee on Security and Defence · Rapporteur: Reinis Pozņaks
- Voted on · Adopted 483–68–76 · See the decision →
- Full procedure 2025/2088
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This resolution addresses the EU's need to adapt to drone warfare, covering military integration, supply chain resilience, procurement, training, and cooperation with partners like Ukraine and NATO.¶¶¶ It calls for integrating drones and counter-drone systems into armed forces, developing cost-effective C-UAS, and protecting critical infrastructure from drone threats.¶¶ It urges reducing dependencies on third countries, especially China, for drone components and raw materials, and supports EU manufacturing and stockpiling.¶¶¶ It emphasizes training and certification of drone pilots, joint exercises, and establishing a European drone academy.¶¶¶ It calls for enhanced cooperation with Ukraine, including knowledge transfer, joint production, and using frozen Russian assets for drone development.¶¶¶ It proposes EU-NATO coordination mechanisms, including a drone centre of excellence and interoperability standards.¶¶¶
Committee position. The Committee on Security and Defence proposes a resolution calling for comprehensive EU action on drone warfare, including military integration, supply chain resilience, and cooperation with Ukraine and NATO.¶¶¶
Key points
- Calls for integrating UAS and C-UAS at tactical and operational levels, including real-time 'drone walls' with sensors and hard-kill solutions.¶
- Urges investment in R&D, support for start-ups and SMEs, and integration of drones into all combat doctrines.¶¶
- Calls for cost-effective C-UAS capabilities, including EW, lasers, and AI-guided interception, and for studying ways to lower per-intercept costs.¶
- Recommends integrating C-UAS into all military platforms and establishing mobile maintenance stations along military mobility corridors.¶¶
- Calls for joint training and certification of drone pilots with Ukraine, and for expanding EW units.¶
- Urges protection of critical infrastructure with no-fly zones and layered detection, funded by EU instruments.¶
- Calls for a comprehensive civil defence strategy including early warning, shelters, and public education.¶¶¶
- Calls for establishing pre-approved vendor lists and an EDA-managed roster to speed procurement, with SME access.¶¶
- Calls for streamlining certification and airworthiness standards, and for a binding EU regulatory framework for military drone operations.¶¶
- Calls for reshoring manufacturing and reducing dependency on Chinese rare earths, with EU-origin criteria for funded drones.¶¶¶
- Calls for an EU drones package and a critical drone component manufacturing action plan.¶¶
- Calls for establishing a European Drone Sovereignty Index and for simplifying intra-EU transfers.¶¶
Who is affected
- Member States' armed forces: integrate drones and counter-drone systems, adopt new doctrines, and train personnel.¶¶¶
- SMEs and start-ups in the drone industry: benefit from simplified access to funding and procurement.¶¶¶
- Ukraine: partner in training, joint production, and knowledge sharing; access to EU stockpiles and funding.¶¶¶
- Critical infrastructure operators: subject to new protection measures and no-fly zones.¶¶
- EU institutions (Commission, EDA, EASA): tasked with regulatory changes, funding, and coordination.¶¶¶
Figures and deadlines
- 60 % of drone components originate in the United States and China.¶
- DJI commands an estimated 74 % share of the commercial drone market.¶
- China controls 85 % of global lithium battery capacity and 98 % of rare earth refining.
- Ukraine produces over 4.5 million drones annually.¶
- 80 % of the European industry involved in light drones consists of SMEs.¶
Legal basis: Articles 42(7) and 222 of the Treaty on European Union¶