Aggregated Defence Data (2023-2025) & Agency Statistics
Executive Summary
The European defence landscape has undergone a historic shift in funding. According to the EDA's latest Defence Data reports, total EU defence spending reached a record €343 billion in 2024, representing 1.9% of the bloc's GDP. This marks a 19% increase year-on-year, driven largely by the geopolitical instability following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
While national budgets have surged, a critical challenge remains: collaborative European spending lags behind agreed benchmarks. Member States are currently prioritizing immediate, national, off-the-shelf procurement over long-term joint European projects, creating a discrepancy between financial input and cooperative output.
Total Spending (2024)
€343B
▲ 19% vs 2023
GDP Share
1.9%
Forecast 2.1% in 2025
Investment Total
>€100B
31% of Total Budget
Collab. Gap
High
Missed Procurement Targets
Aggregated Defence Expenditure (2022-2025)
Tracking the surge in absolute spending against GDP percentage.
Investment Breakdown
Equipment Procurement vs. R&D (2024).
Note: Equipment procurement accounts for the vast majority (€88B), significantly overshadowing R&D (€13B).
The "European Gap": Collaboration Metrics
Despite increased spending, collaboration remains the weak link. The data indicates market fragmentation and a reliance on non-EU suppliers.
Targets vs. Reality (2024 Est.)
Innovation Imbalance (R&T Concentration)
Two Member States account for >80% of total EU R&T.
Personnel & Readiness Costs
Expenditure per Soldier: 2014 vs 2024.
EDA Agency Stats
Staff
~180
Managed Projects (2023)
94
Project Value
~€664 Million
Admin Budget
~€30-40 Million