Readiness 2030 (formerlyReArm Europe) is a strategic defense initiative proposed byEuropean Commission presidentUrsula von der Leyen on 4 March 2025, aimed at enhancing theEuropean Union's military capabilities. It was unveiled in a letter to European leaders ahead of aEuropean Council meeting on 6 March 2025. The plan seeks to mobilize up to €800 billion to strengthen Europe's defense infrastructure in response to geopolitical threats, notably the ongoingwar in Ukraine and uncertainties over U.S. military support.^[1][2][3][4] Following criticism from Italian prime ministerGiorgia Meloni and Spanish prime ministerPedro Sánchez, the initiative was rebranded as Readiness 2030.^[5]

Announced amid heightened security concerns, the plan addresses the need for Europe to reduce reliance onexternal allies, particularly following theU.S. suspension of military aid to Ukraine.^[1]

Following recent discussions, including a2025 London Summit on Ukraine two days prior to the announcement, European capitals have signalled a unified commitment to massively increase defence investments. The Readiness 2030 plan is structured around five key components designed to mobilise both public and private resources, with an estimated potential to unlock nearly €800 billion for European security over the coming years.^[1]

Von der Leyen emphasised the urgency of rearming Europe, calling it a response to "a clear and present danger" unprecedented in recent decades.^[1][2][3]

Canada announced that it would participate in the initiative in the2025 speech from the throne.^[6]

The initiative consists of five key measures:^[1]

1. Fiscal Flexibility: Suspend EU budget rules to allowmember states to increasedefense spending, potentially unlocking €650 billion over four years.
2. Defence Loans: Offer €150 billion in loans for joint defense projects, such asair andmissile defense systems.
3. Budget Repurposing: Redirect existingEU funds, likecohesion funds, toward defense investments.
4. European Investment Bank (EIB) Role: Lift EIB lending restrictions to supportdefence firms.
5. Savings Union: Create a mechanism to mobilize private capital for defence, boosting investment in the sector.

The plan aims to enhance Europe's self-reliance in defence, support Ukraine militarily, and prepare for uncertainty inrelations with the United States. It will first focus on collective procurement and investment in critical European needs, likedrones andartillery technologies.^[1]

• List of countries in Europe by military expenditures
• Russia–European Union relations
• Ukraine–European Union relations
• European Union–United States relations
• Operation Interflex
• Operation Unifier
• Ukraine Defense Contact Group
• Weimar+

• Press statement by President von der Leyen on the defence package

• Military training missions of the European Union
• Military operations of the Russian invasion of Ukraine
• 2025 in the European Union
• Ukraine–European Union relations
• Ursula von der Leyen
• European Union security policy
• Military of the European Union
• Common Security and Defence Policy

• Articles with short description
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• Use dmy dates from March 2025