The EU reveals major plans for the defense of Europe, amid fears fueled by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The European Commission has presented a 'roadmap' for European defense policy, including four major projects, in response to the concerns raised by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Strengthening the EU's eastern borders

The Commission stated that two "flagship projects" are particularly urgent: the European Defense Initiative against Drones, previously known as the "Drone Shield," and Eastern Flank Watch, which aims to "fortify the EU's eastern borders on land, in the air, and at sea."

Air and Space Shield

The European Commission has also proposed a European air shield for defense against missiles and other aerial threats, as well as a European space shield to protect European space assets and services.

Test for the EU's defense ambitions

These flagship projects represent a test of the EU's ambitions to play a more significant role in the defense of Europe – a domain traditionally reserved for national governments and the NATO military alliance.

Without new funding for the new projects

The Commission has not set a budget for the projects.

Kubilius stated that EU member states will first need to agree on the details of the projects before they can estimate their costs.