EU defence in numbers
EU member states' defence expenditure sharply increased between 2021 and 2024. The EU has taken a number of initiatives to complement and amplify member states’ individual efforts, and to boost competitiveness.
How much are EU member states spending on defence?
In 2024, member states' defence expenditure reached €343 billion, rising for the 10th consecutive year. In 2025, it is expected to reach an estimated €381 billion. Defence expenditure in 2025 increased by 11% compared to the previous year and by 62.87% compared to 2020.
In 2024, defence expenditure rose to 1.9% of EU member states' GDP, up from 1.6% in 2023. In 2025, it is expected to reach an estimated 2.1%.
Defence expenditure (2005-2025)
A chart showing the rise in EU member states' defence expenditure between 2005 and 2025. A significant increase in defence spending is clearly visible between 2020 and 2025.
Defence investments are growing
In 2024, defence investments grew at an exceptional rate, increasing by 42% compared to 2023 and reaching a record high of €106 billion. The data indicates that the rising trend will continue in 2025, when defence investment is projected to reach nearly €130 billion.
2024 marked the sixth consecutive year where member states surpassed the 20% defence collective benchmark, allocating 31% of total defence expenditure to defence investment, the highest share recorded. The projected data for 2025 indicate that this share will increase further in 2025.
Defence investments (2005-2025)
A chart showing the rise in defence investments in EU member states between 2005 and 2025. A significant increase in defence investments is clearly visible between 2020 and 2025.
Defence equipment procurement
Spending on defence equipment procurement increased by 39% compared to 2023, with procurement expenditure reaching €88 billion in 2024. Defence equipment procurement accounts for more than 80% of defence investment.
In 2025, the projected expenditure on defence equipment procurement is likely to exceed €100 billion.
Research and development
Total spending on defence research and development, which includes any payments up to the start of expenditure on item production, reached €13 billion in 2024. This corresponds to a 20% increase compared to 2023.
Research and development spending is expected to reach €17 billion in 2025.
Source and methodological note
All data on member states' defence expenditure is based on the figures of the European Defence Agency. The figures have been rounded up or down and provided in constant 2024 prices to take inflation into account and allow for a comparison across various years.
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What is the EU doing to increase defence expenditure?
While security and defence remain national competences, the EU complements and amplifies member states’ individual efforts, both by supporting increased national defence spending and using EU budget resources.
Enhanced cooperation on defence investments among member states is crucial. It opens up opportunities for cost savings and can help member states spend available funds more efficiently.
EU defence initiatives provide a platform for enhanced collaboration with additional funding incentives, which can significantly improve the efficiency of overall defence investment and provide member states with more interoperable and less fragmented capabilities in the long term.
Support for members states’ spending on defence
The EU has put in place several initiatives to support member states in increasing their defence expenditure even more.
Among other initiatives, the EU is providing temporary emergency financial assistance of up to €150 billion through a loan mechanism (Security Action for Europe or SAFE) and is giving member states additional budgetary flexibility in requesting activation of the national escape clause.
EU member states also cooperate on security and defence through the European Peace Facility, which aims to enhance the EU's ability to prevent conflicts, build and preserve peace and strengthen international security and stability. It currently has a financial ceiling of €17 billion.
EU spending on defence
The EU already has several initiatives in place under the EU budget to complement defence investments by member states. Expenditure under the EU budget includes:
- €8.8 billion under the European Defence Fund to boost defence research and development
- €1.7 billion to support military mobility projects through the Connecting Europe Facility
- €300 million to support joint defence procurement
- €500 million to boost ammunition production
On 16 October 2025, the Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on the European defence industry programme (EDIP). Through EDIP, the EU plans to provide €1.5 billion in the form of grants in the period 2025-2027 to boost Europe's defence industry.
European defence readiness
Boosting competitiveness
A stronger and more capable European Union in the field of security and defence will boost European industrial and technological competitiveness. Integrating industrial capacities across member states allows for economies of scale and reduces costs.
Defence industry turnover
In 2024, the European defence industry generated a turnover of €183.4 billion, a 13.8% increase from the previous year.
A chart showing the defence turnout in Europe between 2021 and 2024:
- 2024: €183.4 billion
- 2023: €161.1 billion
- 2022: €136.7 billion
- 2021: €123.8 billion
This growth trend was evident across all three key sectors:
- military aeronautics: €74.9 billion turnover (+13.6%)
- naval: €43.2 billion (+13.6%)
- land: €65.3 billion (+14.3%)
European military exports reached €60 billion in 2024, up 2.1% from 2023.
Jobs in defence
The European defence industry saw a substantial increase in employment in 2024, with the total number of jobs reaching 633 000. This was an 8.6% increase compared to the previous year.
A chart showing the jobs in defence in Europe between 2021 and 2024:
- 2024: 633 000
- 2023: 582 710
- 2022: 539 914
- 2021: 526 790
The military aeronautics sector accounted for approximately 240 000 of these jobs, while the combined workforce in the land and naval sectors accounted for 393 000 jobs within the defence industry.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a central role in the complex defence supply chains in Europe. There are currently more than 2 500 SMEs in the European defence industry.
Source and methodological note
All data on defence turnout and jobs in defence is based on the figures of the Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe, which includes 20 EU countries, as well as the United Kingdom, Norway and Turkey. The figures have been rounded up or down to take into account exchange rate fluctuations and different statistical accounting measures.
More information:
See also
EU funding for defence
Common defence procurement
National escape clause for defence expenditure
Last review: 7 January 2026