How the EU is Rewriting the Rules of Security and Defence

Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine has significantly altered the security landscape in Europe, prompting a fundamental shift in European security and defence priorities. The resurgence of high-intensity warfare on the continent has revealed the deficiencies in Member States' defence plans and capabilities, leading them to reevaluate their approaches. 

Conversely, the changing role of the United States became a topic of concern after Donald Trump's election to the White House. Traditionally viewed as the primary security guarantor, Washington has indicated its intention to rebalance its global commitments, reducing its historical security and financial support to the EU. 

With greater pressure placed upon the Union, Ursula Von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, recognised the upcoming challenges and ranked security and defence as her top priorities in her agenda following the 2024 EU election. 

While defence and security remain the prerogative of individual Member States, limiting the European Commission’s direct influence in these areas, Ursula von der Leyen outlined a series of actions to enhance readiness and preparedness, reinforce EU defence industries, facilitate cooperative investment, and foster cooperation, especially regarding support for Ukraine’s security. 

Institutional Developments and Policy Initiatives 

The new EU institutional cycle has already resulted in substantial reforms, mainly through the appointment of a dedicated Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, as well as the elevation of the Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE) to a full-fledged committee within the European Parliament. 

Additionally, four main domains of action are highlighted in the political guidelines released by Ursula Von der Leyen, identifying the Commission’s key priorities for the years 2024-2029: Internal Security, Defence Industry, Crisis Management, and Space Policy. 

Internal Security 

To address evolving security threats such as terrorism, organised crime, and cyber-attacks, the Commission drafted a European Internal Security Strategy that outlines a comprehensive work plan featuring a more effective legal toolbox, improved intelligence sharing, and strengthened cooperation. 

The Commission's Strategy aims to foster a cultural shift in EU internal security by promoting a whole-of-society approach, integrating security into all EU legislation and regulation, and encouraging substantial public and private investment in security.

This strategy will entail several initiatives to tackle firearms trafficking, counter terrorism, modernise rules on organised crime, and improve critical communications systems. 

Defence Industry 

The Commission recently introduced three initiatives to boost defence investment, strengthen the EU industry, improve military readiness, and foster EU-wide coordination.

Through the White Paper on the future of European defence, the Commission aims to address the EU underfinancement in defence by calling for massive investment in military capabilities, improving procurement system and long-term readiness. 

In parallel, the ReArm Europe Plan published in March 2025 enables over 800 billion in defence spending, allowing Member States to increase their defence while complying with fiscal rules.

The plan, divided into two measures, includes the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) Regulation, which would provide up to EUR 150 billion in loans to Member States for defence investment. Meanwhile, the Communication addressing increased defence expenditure within the Stability and Growth Pact suggests activating the national escape clause for 2025-2028 under the Pact. 

These initiatives complement the proposal for the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), which outlines a budget and a range of measures designed to support the defence industry readiness of the EU and its Member States, ensuring the availability and supply of defence products and aiding in the recovery of Ukraine's defence.

Crisis Management 

As the EU confronts increasingly complex crises — from geopolitical tensions and cyber threats to climate change and natural disasters — the Commission introduced an EU Preparedness Strategy to strengthen Member States’ capacity to prevent and respond to emerging threats.

Introducing 30 key actions- such as a new EU Crisis Hub, civil-military cooperation, and a public-private Preparedness Taskforce- the Commission's President emphasised the need for a heightened level of preparedness in Europe to ensure that hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructures are ready for crises. 

Based on the Niinistö Report on Preparedness and Readiness, the strategy promotes an integrated all-hazards approach, a whole-of-government perspective, and a whole-of-society framework, combining local, national, and EU-level actions to prepare the EU to act swiftly in future crises. 

Future tools to be deployed by the Commission will support this strategy: the European Civil Defence Mechanism, which fosters coordination between military and civilian services in disaster management, and the EU Preparedness Law, aimed at establishing joint standards and measurable long-term targets for the EU’s ability to anticipate, prevent, and prepare for crises both inside and outside the continent.

Space Policy 

The EU aims to reduce dependence on U.S. defence systems by developing its own manufacturing capacities and sourcing space and defence equipment from European suppliers.

Strengthening satellite technology and space programs is paramount from a security perspective. 

This is why the Commission is expected to propose an EU Space Law to minimise collisions between space objects, enhance the robustness of space-based services, and establish guidelines for space safety, sustainability, and security. 

Broader goals include boosting the competitiveness of the European space and defence industries and improving cybersecurity to guarantee the EU’s strategic autonomy in space. 

Challenges in Monitoring Defence and Security Developments

Tracking EU security and defence policy developments can be complex in these uncertain times. The sensitivity and accessibility of defence policy documents pose challenges, as they are often classified or difficult to obtain.

Furthermore, the relatively new role of the European Commission complicates access to information, as Member States have historically been reluctant to share this responsibility. Additionally, the changing global security landscape, exacerbated by conflicts and shifting alliances, necessitates that policy decisions continually adapt. This complicates long-term trajectory predictions for companies and highlights the necessity of daily monitoring of developments.

How to Monitor Defence and Security Policy Developments

FiscalNote’s EU Issue Tracker now features a Defence and Space Policy vertical, providing users with improved visibility into data and insights that were previously unavailable in critical areas such as space, the defence industry, internal security, crisis management, and related strategic initiatives, along with enhanced tracking capabilities.

FiscalNote’s expanded coverage gives you immediate insight into funding shifts, procurement developments, and strategic policy direction across the EU, helping organisations make more informed decisions, reduce risk, and identify new opportunities in a fast-moving regulatory environment. Learn how EU Issue Tracker can help you confidently monitor the EU policy landscape.