<h1>EU leaders adopt Readiness 2030 plan to launch joint defence projects, boost air defence and 40% joint procurement by 2027</h1> EU leaders endorsed Readiness 2030, a legally nonbinding strategic plan directing member states to launch concrete defence projects by mid-2026 to ensure collective defence capability by 2030. The initiative prioritises anti-drone and air-defence systems, an Eastern Flank Watch, and joint procurement measures requiring at least 40% of military purchases to be jointly procured by late 2027 to enhance interoperability and cost-efficiency. The Commission proposes increased budgetary allocations for defence and space and anticipates major defence spending through 2035. Timelines require critical-capability contracts by end-2028 and full implementation by 2030; the plan also foresees security cooperation and industrial integration with Ukraine.