Defence spending by European Union member states totalled €343 million in 2024 and is expected to hit €381 billion in 2025, according to newly released figures.
Defence spending by all 27 E.U. members was detailed in the annual Defence Data report published by the European Defence Agency (EDA).
The 2024 figure represented a 19% rise on 2023, bringing spending to 1.9% of cumulative GDP. A statement by EDA noted: “The increase, driven largely by record levels of equipment procurement and rising investment in research and development, reflects member states’ determination to strengthen Europe’s military capabilities in response to the evolving security environment.”
EDA Chief Executive André Denk commented: “It is encouraging to see E.U. member states taking their defence spending to record levels. Meeting the new NATO target of 3.5% of GDP will require even more effort, spending a total of more than €630 billion a year.
“Yet we must also cooperate closely, find economies of scale and increase interoperability. EDA stands more ready than ever to support member states in this endeavour.”
The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas pointed out Europe was “spending record amounts on defence” and described it as “fundamental.”
He added: “This investment will be funnelled into everything from research and development to the joint procurement and production of essential defence components. The European Union is pulling every financial and political lever we have to support our member states and European companies in this effort.”
- You can read more details on the EDA website