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REPORT (2025/2144(INI))

On flagship European defence projects of common interest

A-10-2026-0014

Committee on Security and Defence · Rapporteur: Lucia Annunziata

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Parliament's resolution on flagship European defence projects of common interest sets out how such projects should be defined, selected, governed and financed, and stresses their role in filling EU capability gaps. It calls for swift launch of four initial European Readiness Flagships – the European Drone Defence Initiative, the Eastern Flank Watch, the European Air Shield and the European Space Shield – with clear objectives, milestones and governance. It urges alignment with EU and NATO planning, integration of cyber and space domains, broad industrial and geographical participation, and long-term dedicated funding under the next multiannual financial framework. It calls for common export control mechanisms, regular parliamentary scrutiny, and coordination with Ukraine and like-minded partners.

Committee position. The Committee on Security and Defence proposes a resolution setting out Parliament's position on flagship European defence projects, calling for their swift implementation with clear governance, funding and scrutiny.

Key points

  1. Acknowledges increased defence spending but stresses need for coordination, efficiency and integration, respecting Member State sovereignty under Article 4(2) TEU.
  2. Identifies priority capability gaps: air and missile defence, artillery, missiles and ammunition, drones and counter-drone systems, strategic enablers, military mobility, cyber, AI, electronic warfare, ground combat and maritime security.
  3. Calls for developing autonomous strategic enablers, including a common command and control architecture, and for closer EU-NATO cooperation and interoperability.
  4. Calls for a managed transition from reliance on non-EU defence suppliers to strategic autonomy, with an EU preference for defence procurement and fair access for SMEs.
  5. Urges joint procurement and that flagship projects contribute to the goal of 40% of defence procurement as common procurement by end of 2027.
  6. Welcomes the four initial European Readiness Flagships and urges clear objectives, timelines, financing, governance and swift launch.
  7. Supports the European Drone Defence Initiative and Eastern Flank Watch, including pilot projects and integration of ground, air, maritime and counter-drone capabilities.
  8. Calls for flagship projects to be open to Ukraine, associated countries and security partners, and to include a wide range of industrial actors.
  9. Calls for cyber and space to be integrated into defence priorities, and for common export control mechanisms to prevent technology transfer to hostile countries.
  10. Calls for merit-based selection, balanced geographical participation, and flexible co-financing mechanisms.
  11. Calls for adequate dedicated funding under the next multiannual financial framework and long-term co-financing commitments beyond two years.
  12. Calls for regular public reporting and parliamentary scrutiny, and for Member States to consider earmarking national defence budgets for flagship projects.

Who is affected

  • EU Member States, particularly those on the eastern flank, are called to launch and co-finance flagship projects and align national defence planning.
  • The European defence industry, including SMEs, mid-caps and start-ups, is to be involved in flagship projects and benefit from procurement.
  • Ukraine and like-minded non-EU countries may participate in flagship projects under certain conditions.
  • The Commission, the High Representative and the EDA are to support and coordinate flagship projects.

Figures and deadlines

  • 40% of defence procurement as common procurement by the end of 2027.
  • 2% of GDP to defence expenditure by the end of 2025 (NATO target).

Legal basis: Articles 42(2) and 42(3) TEU; Articles 2, 107(3)(b), 114 and 346 TFEU.