EU leaders urge 'decisively ramped up' defense by 2030

European Union leaders concluded a Brussels summit on Thursday with a commitment to accelerate the bloc's defense readiness "decisively ramped up" by 2030, citing mounting security threats and Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine, according to meeting conclusions.

Romania drone strike draws condemnation

The council singled out a May 29 incident in which a Russian drone carrying explosives crashed into a residential building in Romania, which leaders "strongly" condemned as evidence of immediate threats facing the eastern flank. The bloc expressed full solidarity with Bucharest and other affected member states while highlighting repeated violations of EU airspace and territorial waters linked to the conflict.

NATO foundation stressed

Leaders reaffirmed that NATO remains the foundation of collective defense for alliance members, stating that a strengthened European capability would complement transatlantic security and contribute positively to global stability. They welcomed rising defense expenditures but stressed that higher spending must be matched by greater coordination and joint investment in priority areas including air defense, early-warning systems and counter-drone technologies. The council also underscored the need to expand Europe's defense industrial base and accelerate implementation of initiatives such as the Security Action for Europe instrument and the European Defence Industry Programme.

Leaders said they would revisit defense and security issues in October 2026 based on an annual defense readiness report prepared by the European Defense Agency. The assessment will measure progress toward the 2030 targets agreed upon at Thursday's summit.