Members of the European Parliament call for European strategic autonomy and "emblematic" defense projects.

The Security and Defense Committee presents urgent recommendations to address critical capacity gaps in air defense, drones, and cyber warfare.

Brussels, January 27, 2026 – Members of the Security and Defense Committee (SEDE) of the European Parliament have adopted a comprehensive report recommending urgent actions to remedy serious gaps in the EU's military capabilities. Adopted with 30 votes in favor and 3 against, the text advocates for a managed transition towards "strategic autonomy," aiming to reduce the EU bloc's heavy dependence on external suppliers for critical defense equipment.

In Brief

MEPs have identified persistent gaps in air and missile defense, drones, artillery, and cyber capabilities that weaken the EU's deterrence.

The report calls for a gradual shift to strategic autonomy, prioritizing EU-focused acquisitions and strengthening the European Defense Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB).

The Parliament demands clearer timelines and funding for "European Readiness Flagship Projects," such as the Air Defense Shield and the European Drone Defense Initiative.

The report emphasizes that, despite recent increases in defense spending, EU member states continue to face "serious and persistent" capacity gaps. These deficiencies are particularly acute in high-intensity warfare areas, such as air and missile defense, artillery, munitions, and electronic warfare. MEPs warned that these shortcomings significantly weaken the EU's ability to support large-scale operations amid growing threats of hybrid and conventional warfare.

To address these gaps, the committee advocates for strengthening the European Defense Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB). This involves encouraging cross-border industrial cooperation and ensuring that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have better access to the defense market. The text explicitly supports the development of "strategic enablers" – including a common architecture for command and control, information, and surveillance – as well as common capabilities in space and strategic air transport.

A central point of the report is the implementation of "European Readiness Flagship Projects" within the framework of the 2030 Defense Readiness Roadmap. MEPs urged member states to swiftly launch and fund these critical projects, which include the European Drone Defense Initiative, Eastern Flank Watch, the Air Defense Shield, and the Space Defense Shield. Rapporteur Lucia Annunziata (S&D, Italy) emphasized that new technologies, such as AI and unmanned systems, are reshaping warfare, stating that these common capabilities are "the foundation of a new common defense and deterrence for lasting peace."

https://2eu.brussels/ro/stiri/eurodeputatii-cer-autonomie-strategica-europeana-si-proiecte-de-aparare-emblematice