Visualizing the EU's Plan for Defence Readiness 2030
In response to a rapidly changing global security environment, the European Union has initiated the "ReArm Europe" plan, a comprehensive strategy to significantly bolster its defence readiness by 2030. A recent landmark agreement between the EU Council and Parliament has solidified this initiative, which represents a major policy shift aiming to mobilize an unprecedented €800 billion. The plan is not just about increasing spending; it's a multi-faceted approach to make European defence investment faster, more flexible, and more coordinated. This infographic breaks down the core components of this strategy: from the new financial mechanisms and the existing budgets being unlocked, to the regulatory reforms designed to strengthen Europe's defence industrial base and its partnership with Ukraine.
The "Why": Addressing the Spending Gap
A primary driver for the "ReArm Europe" plan is the gap between current spending and newly defined security requirements. This chart compares the EU-27's 2024 defence budget to the estimated annual cost of the new 3.5% NATO target, revealing a significant shortfall that new strategies aim to close.
This visual highlights the scale of investment needed to meet the EU's 2030 readiness goals.
Pillar 1: How the €800B is Mobilized
The €800 Billion target is not a single new fund. It's a two-part financial strategy combining new fiscal flexibility for member states with a dedicated joint-procurement loan instrument.
This shows the two main financial pillars of the "ReArm Europe" strategy.
Current Spending Trajectory
EU-27 defence spending is already increasing. Projections for 2025 show the bloc collectively surpassing the 2% GDP target for the first time, signaling a clear upward trend that "ReArm Europe" aims to accelerate.
Dual-axis chart showing projected growth in both absolute spending and as a percentage of GDP.
Pillar 2: The "Mini-Omnibus" (Unlocking Existing Funds)
A key part of the new agreement is the "mini-Omnibus" proposal. This groundbreaking move doesn't create new money but makes massive existing EU civilian budgets (like Horizon Europe for research and the Digital Europe Programme) flexible, allowing them to fund dual-use and defence-related projects for the first time. This chart shows the scale of these unlocked funds relative to the dedicated (but smaller) European Defence Fund.
This highlights how the EU is leveraging its largest existing budgets to support the defence industrial base.
Pillar 3: The "Defence Readiness Omnibus" (Enabling Speed)
Money alone isn't enough; the plan must be efficient. A parallel "Defence Readiness Omnibus" package aims to cut red tape by fast-tracking permits for defence factories, simplifying joint procurement rules, and easing cross-border transport.
€42.5B - €51.3B
In Estimated Economic Benefits
(2026-2036)
Landmark Action: Ukraine Association
Underscoring the EU's commitment, the new agreement includes a landmark decision to associate Ukraine with the European Defence Fund. This action formally allows Ukrainian defence companies to join and apply for funding from the EDF pool, integrating them more closely with the European defence industrial base.
Ukrainian entities now eligible to access the
€7.953 Billion
European Defence Fund