EU defence in numbers
Dec 1, 2025
European Council
Council of the European Union
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 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 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.