Archive · 17 Dec 2025
EU defence projects face uncertainty
The European Union is having a disagreement about some big defence projects that the European Commission proposed.
These projects include things like a system to stop drones and ways to protect the EU's borders and space.
Some countries, like Germany, France, and Italy, want to work together in smaller groups to develop these defences, while the Commission wants all EU leaders to support these projects.
At a meeting next week, it's not clear if all leaders will agree to support these projects.
Some countries in the north and east want to keep the projects alive, while others in the south and west are sceptical.
The Commission says it will keep working with countries to make these projects happen, but it's not sure if they will be approved or not.
Additionally, a big project to build a new fighter jet together with France, Germany, and Spain is also in trouble.
The countries can't agree on who should lead the project or what the planes should be used for.
EU 'flagship' defence projects, including a counter-drone system, face uncertainty at an upcoming summit in Brussels.
Power struggle exists between the European Commission and some national governments over the control and focus of big defence projects.
Northern and eastern European countries aim to keep the projects alive, while southern and western European countries are sceptical.
The Commission proposed four flagship projects in October, but they have not been endorsed by EU leaders.
The FCAS fighter jet programme, a 100-billion-euro project involving France, Germany, and Spain, is 'very unlikely' to proceed as planned due to disagreements over leadership and roles.
- Who
- European Union leaders, European Commission, national governments, France, Germany, Spain
- What
- Uncertainty over the future of proposed EU 'flagship' defence projects, including a counter-drone system and the FCAS fighter jet programme
- When
- Next week (as of Dec 15), with a meeting of leaders from the bloc’s eastern flank in Helsinki on Tuesday
- Where
- Brussels (summit), Helsinki (meeting of eastern flank leaders)
- Why
- Power struggle between the European Commission and some national governments over the control and focus of big defence projects, with concerns over Russia's invasion of Ukraine and doubts about U.S. commitments to European security
Pro-EU Defence Projects
Sceptical Countries
Project Support
Pro-EU Defence Projects
Northern and Eastern European countries aim to keep the projects alive.
Sceptical Countries
Southern and Western European countries are sceptical.
Project Control
Pro-EU Defence Projects
European Commission wants all EU leaders to support the projects.
Sceptical Countries
Some national governments prefer smaller groups to develop defences.
FCAS Programme
Pro-EU Defence Projects
France hopes to postpone the decision to next year.
Sceptical Countries
Germany wanted a decision by the end of 2025.
- Proposed Projects
- European Drone Defence Initiative, Eastern Flank Watch, European Air Shield, European Space Shield
- Proposed by
- European Commission
- Supporting Countries
- Northern and Eastern European countries
- Opposing Countries
- Southern and Western European countries
- Summit Location
- Brussels
- Summit Date
- Next week (as of Dec 15)
- Commission's Stance
- Will keep working with member states to turn the European Flagships into reality
- FCAS Project Status
- Very unlikely to proceed as planned
- FCAS Project Cost
- 100 billion euros
- FCAS Project Partners
- France, Germany, Spain