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Flagship European defence projects of common interest

TA-10-2026-0080 · P10_TA(2026)0080 · PE776.841

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✦ In short · AI summary of this text, generated 4 Sept 2026

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Parliament's resolution on flagship European defence projects of common interest acknowledges increased defence spending but stresses the need for coordination, integration, and filling capability gaps through joint projects. It welcomes the four initial European Readiness Flagships (Drone Defence, Eastern Flank Watch, Air Shield, Space Shield) and calls for clear objectives, governance, and swift launch. It urges alignment with EU and NATO priorities, integration of cyber and space, broad participation including SMEs and Ukraine, and robust governance with parliamentary scrutiny. It calls for dedicated long-term funding, co-financing commitments beyond two years, and measures to reduce dependency on non-EU suppliers.

Key points

  1. Acknowledges increased defence spending but stresses the need for a shift towards greater coordination, efficiency, and integration, respecting Member State sovereignty.
  2. Identifies priority capability gaps: air and missile defence, artillery, drones, strategic enablers, military mobility, cyber, AI, and maritime security; calls for urgent measures.
  3. Calls for developing autonomous strategic enablers and a common architecture for command and control, as well as capabilities in space, airlift, and CBRN risk prevention.
  4. Calls for greater EU-NATO cooperation and interoperability, ensuring coherence between EU and NATO planning processes.
  5. Calls for a managed transition from dependency on non-EU countries to strategic autonomy, strengthening the EDTIB, and reducing reliance on non-EU manufacturers.
  6. Calls for strengthening the single EU defence market, joint procurement, and reducing fragmentation; flagships should contribute to 40% common procurement by end of 2027.
  7. Welcomes the four initial flagships and urges clear objectives, timelines, governance, and swift launch; stresses comprehensive design including conventional and advanced technologies.
  8. Supports the European Drone Defence Initiative and Eastern Flank Watch, including pilot projects and integration of ground, air, and maritime defence.
  9. Calls for a definition of 'flagship projects of common interest' as large-scale, pan-European collaborative initiatives, and for alignment with EU and NATO objectives.
  10. Calls for integrating cyber and space domains into flagship projects, ensuring cybersecurity and resilience, and protecting critical infrastructure.
  11. Calls for balanced geographical participation, inclusion of SMEs and start-ups, and open participation for Ukraine and like-minded partners.
  12. Calls for dedicated long-term funding, co-financing commitments, and parliamentary scrutiny; also calls for export control mechanisms to prevent technology transfer to hostile countries.

Who is affected

  • EU Member States, especially those on the eastern flank, are called to participate in flagship projects and commit to co-financing.
  • Defence industry, including SMEs and mid-caps, is targeted for inclusion in flagship projects and strengthening the EDTIB.
  • Ukraine and associated countries may participate in flagship projects, fostering cooperation.
  • NATO and EU institutions (Commission, EDA) are involved in coordination and governance.

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
  • two-year implementation period provided for by the EDIP

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