Mapping the Capital Gaps in the EU Defence Build-Up

Introduction: Europe’s Defence Spending Surge (2022–2025)

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 triggered a historic surge in EU defence spending. EU member states collectively spent a record €279 billion on defence in 2023, a 10% increase from 2022. Moreover, 2024 spending is forecast to reach €326 billion, reflecting a ninth consecutive year of growth. …