EU Defence ‘Flagship’ Projects in Limbo as Leaders Withhold Backing

The future of the European Union’s proposed “flagship” defence projects — including a high-profile counter-drone system initially dubbed a “drone wall” — is increasingly uncertain, as EU leaders prepare to avoid formally endorsing the plans at a summit in Brussels next week.

The proposals have become a focal point of a growing power struggle between the European Commission, which put them forward, and several national governments that argue large-scale defence initiatives should remain the responsibility of member states and NATO, rather than the EU’s executive arm.

Major defence players such as Germany, France and Italy have signalled a preference for developing military capabilities through flexible coalitions of countries instead of Commission-led projects. Diplomats said scepticism over the “flagship” concept was widespread, though its ultimate fate remains unclear.

“There is clear scepticism, but it’s too early to say whether the idea will survive,” one EU diplomat said, echoing the views of several others.

Northern and eastern European countries are expected to push back by voicing support for the projects at a meeting of leaders from the EU’s eastern flank in Helsinki on Tuesday, two days ahead of the Brussels summit, diplomats said.

Commission Push Meets Member State Resistance

The European Commission unveiled four flagship defence projects in October as part of a broader roadmap aimed at boosting Europe’s ability to defend itself by 2030. The plan reflected heightened concern over Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, as well as uncertainty about long-term U.S. security commitments to Europe under President Donald Trump.

The proposed initiatives include a European Drone Defence Initiative, initially branded as a “drone wall,” an Eastern Flank Watch to reinforce the EU’s borders, a European Air Shield and a European Space Shield.

The Commission had called on EU leaders to endorse the flagships by the end of the year. However, draft conclusions for Thursday’s summit — seen by Reuters — make no reference to the projects. Inclusion would require unanimous approval from all 27 EU leaders, which appears unlikely.

“The word ‘flagships’ is not mentioned because some member states are against the idea,” an EU official said on condition of anonymity. “But others want to move ahead.”

The Commission said it would continue working with member states to advance the projects, arguing they are “essential for Europe’s readiness by 2030.”

Drone Wall Draws Attention, But Divides Members

The drone wall concept gained prominence after around 20 Russian drones entered Polish airspace in September, followed by a series of drone incidents in Romania, Denmark and Germany. The Commission envisioned a Europe-wide network of sensors, jamming systems and defensive weapons to counter drone threats.

At the same time, EU countries are increasingly forming their own coalitions to jointly develop and procure defence systems, including counter-drone capabilities, outside the flagship framework.

“The actual work will be done by member states,” a second EU official said.

The Commission proposed designating the flagships as European Defence Projects of Common Interest, which would make them eligible for EU funding. However, officials noted that coalitions of member states could also put forward such projects, with governments retaining the final say over funding decisions.

The original drone wall proposal faced resistance from southern and western EU countries, which argued it focused too heavily on eastern Europe despite drones posing a continent-wide threat. Although the Commission later reworked the plan into a pan-European initiative, doubts remain about whether defence leadership should rest with the EU executive.