Einar H. Dyvik
Research expert covering Nordics and global data for society, economy, and politics
Defense and security in the European Union - statistics & facts
Even though the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030 launched in 2025 aims to rebuild European military deterrence, the EU has limited competences in security matters, that are mostly under control of single member states. Russia’s re-emergence as a military power and the U.S.’s alleged disengagement in European defense have driven EU countries toward a stronger common defense policy and the establishment of a European army. Although the integration of national armed forces has progressed since 2018, the EU is still far from this project, due to the absence of a centralized military command and different security priorities among member states. Hence, cooperation within the NATO framework is viewed as the most feasible option to secure European defense in the short/medium term.
