The recently released 2024 Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD) report clearly states that while defence spending and cooperation in Europe have seen progress, there is still significant room for improvement. To ensure readiness and resilience of the European Armed Forces, the Member States need to take decisive actions to sustain investments and further enhance efficiency. Sustained and structured defence expenditure is critical, not only to modernize equipment but also to ensure military forces remain agile and prepared.

While an increased defence spending is essential, aligning operational requirements across the Member Staes is of utmost importance to avoid duplication, reduce fragmentation, and boost interoperability. Moreover, increasing cooperation between the defence industry and the Armed Forces is much needed, to make sure that the needs of the military are met.

One of the most pressing issues that the European Armed Forces are facing is personnel recruitment and retention, an issue that for the first time is underlined in the CARD report. To elaborate more, the acquisition of advanced equipment and capabilities will not produce the necessary results without a robust and well-trained military workforce. Addressing this gap requires creative solutions, such as common exercises, military exchange programs, and enhanced interoperability among Member States. EUROMIL, has consistently emphasized the importance of addressing recruitment and retention challenges and making the military an attractive workplace again. It should also not be forgotten that the Niinistö Report also calls for making the military a more appealing career to the younger generations. To effectively address this matter a change in mentality is much needed. In other words, adapting to the realities of today’s environment and working in a cooperative manner is the only forward. Only through collective efforts can comprehensive and lasting solutions can be achieved.

Lastly, the CARD report and the ongoing PESCO Strategic Review underscore the need for Member States to strengthen their collaboration in defence. PESCO, while promising, risks falling short of its potential due to inefficiencies and fragmented projects. Enhancing the visibility of PESCO as a central EU defence initiative will also encourage broader participation and awareness. These steps are essential to fostering a common military culture and ensuring that PESCO delivers tangible results beyond 2025.

Overall, EUROMIL supports closer European cooperation in defence and welcomes the various initiatives taken as the Strategic Review of PESCO or the 2024 CARD report. Only by addressing recruitment and retention challenges, strengthening collaborative frameworks, and ensuring sustained investment, Europe can build a more resilient and effective defence structures, suitable for today’s complex geopolitical environment.