Von der Leyen wants countries to report defense spending in detail

The European Commission wants to gain greater control over the defense activities of EU member states. According to a proposal that Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will present to heads of state and government at the upcoming summit, governments would be required to submit annual reports on their arms purchases.

According to the Euractiv portal, the Commission would incorporate this data into an “annual defense readiness report,” which EU leaders could then use for strategic decisions. The proposal aims to strengthen the coordination of defense spending by 2030 without disclosing sensitive information.

In addition, the Commission presented four new projects, including an anti-drone system, an eastern surveillance shield, and defense shields for air and space.

The goal is to respond to hybrid threats and deepen cooperation between states.

The Commission also plans to adjust competition rules, which could promote joint defense projects but at the same time raise concerns about national sovereignty.

(lup)