European Defence: From Emergency Measures to Structural Readiness by 2030

Europe is undergoing a profound transformation in its approach to security and defence planning. In the immediate aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, governments responded with emergency measures, raising defence budgets at unprecedented speed and replenishing depleted stockpiles of ammunition and equipment. These initial actions were necessary, yet they were fragmented and crisis-driven, designed to address urgent shortfalls rather than long-term needs. Over time, the limitations of this reactive approach became clear, pushing European leaders to seek a more permanent solution. The emerging framework, described as the “road to readiness 2030,” shifts the focus from temporary rearmament to a stable and predictable defence posture. The concept entails strengthening the industrial base, building resilient supply chains, harmonising procurement rules, and ensuring that production translates into deployable capabilities. For the investment community, this transition signals the emergence of durable visibility in defence spending, an environment where long-term contracts, cross-border initiatives, and dual-use infrastructure become central features of Europe’s economic and strategic landscape.