Already from the start of Ursula von der Leyen’s second term as President of the Commission in July 2024, it has been clear that European security and defence would be a key priority. The White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030, published on 19 March 2025, serves as the EU’s primary guidance on defence policy. Yet, with the drastically changed geopolitical landscape, namely the US’ decreased support of Ukraine and Donald Trump publicly questioning NATO’s commitment clause, the White Paper has gained unprecedented significance.
About this series
The KAS Europe Security Snapshot is designed to provide concise and insightful analysis on a range of security issues, notably those that are currently prominent on the political agenda in Europe and others that are not yet being sufficiently addressed. Against the backdrop of the current geopolitical challenges and the advent of a new era for European security and defence, as indicated in the political guidelines of the new European Commission, the publication series aims to break down current trends in order to make them accessible to a wider audience. New briefings will be published several times per year
Dr. Beatrice Gorawantschy
Director KAS European Office