Europe is entering a new era of defence, with governments investing heavily in their own capabilities – triggering a wave of legal, financial and strategic implications for defence companies, investors and institutions across the continent and beyond. At the heart of this shift is the EU’s new strategy: Readiness 2030. Launched in March 2025, it aims to reverse decades of underinvestment, rebuild Europe’s defence industrial base, and fast-track innovation. In this briefing we explore the impact of this strategy on procurement, ESG considerations and M&A, and what it all means for those looking to invest, partner or lead in the defence space.
Key takeaways:
- The EU’s Readiness 2030 strategy marks a decisive shift towards rebuilding Europe’s defence industrial base, streamlining procurement, and fostering innovation, with significant implications for defence companies, investors and governments.
- Its emphasis on cross-border collaboration and joint ventures means defence sector participants must navigate complex multi-jurisdictional legal requirements and government oversight.
- ESG considerations, litigation risks and export control regulations are evolving rapidly, making robust upstream and downstream due diligence and compliance essential for new entrants and investors in the defence sector.
