European countries will not have time to prepare for a Russian attack - report

The European Defence Agency (EDA) has published its first annual report on the state of EU defence readiness, concluding that bloc countries will not be able to prepare for potential threats by 2030. The report notes that despite an "unprecedented" acceleration in rearmament, current plans by member states are insufficient to close existing gaps in key military areas. Particularly acute issues remain in air and missile defence, ground forces, naval forces, ammunition stocks, and the development of drone systems. The document emphasizes that to achieve the set goals by 2030, European countries will have to act significantly faster due to the deteriorating security situation and threats that the EU links to Russian aggression. At the same time, the EU acknowledges notable progress: states are increasing defence spending, expanding production capabilities, and developing their own military technologies. Closer cooperation with Ukraine is cited as one factor contributing to this process. EU defence ministers are expected to discuss the report's findings in Brussels, after which the document will be presented to the bloc's heads of state and government. The issue of defence readiness is becoming a key one for the EU amid the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine and discussions about Europe's long-term security.