EU Insight 17 October 2025

The Commission has launched the so-called ‘Preserving Peace – Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030’, aiming to prepare Europe for crises and conflicts by the end of the decade, notably with Russia and beyond. The plan presents four flagship programs, including initiatives on drone defence, European air shield, European Space Shield and the Eastern Flank Watch. The Commission proposes objectives and milestones for each programme and overall defence capability development and industrial base to be achieved throughout the next four years. In parallel, the Parliament and the Council have reached a political agreement on the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), dedicating €1.5 billion for the defence industry over the next two years, enhancing European origin in public procurement, and strengthening cooperation with Ukraine.

The Commission has presented its new strategy for a global clean and resilient transition. Against the backdrop of its Clean Industrial Deal, the Commission proposes an international dimension to the EU’s approach on climate action, energy sector and clean industrialisation through 10 key actions. Notably, the strategy focuses on building new partnerships and alliances, while reinforcing existing ones to deliver on the Paris Agreement. Overall, it aims to boost the international reach of European industries, foster investments in clean tech, and promote fair standards in cooperation with global partners. To do so, the Commission emphasises the importance of carbon pricing, the need to strengthen the resilience of value chains, and to ensure the EU remains a reliable partner in the global transition efforts.

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Declaration, the Commission has unveiled a new Pact for the Mediterranean, setting out a strategy to deepen the EU ties with Southern Mediterranean partners. Based on co-ownership and joint responsibility, the pact aims to create a common Mediterranean space, intended to be connected, resilient and secure. Key priorities include fostering economic integration, boosting clean energy and digital connectivity, as well as strengthening cooperation on security, preparedness, and migration. Notably, the pact focuses on people and businesses, particularly on youth, women and SMEs, through around 100 proposed regional projects and flagship initiatives. Looking ahead, the Commission will present an action plan, detailing the pact’s proposed initiatives and their participants.

The Parliament’s Committees on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) and International Trade (INTA) agreed on a draft law banning imports of Russian oil and natural gas. The proposal covers all crude oil and petroleum products derived from Russian crude, while natural gas imports, both pipeline and LNG, will also be banned from 1 January 2026. Exceptions will apply for existing short-term contracts signed before 17 June of this year, until June 2026, and for long-term contracts, which will benefit from one-year delay until 2027. To counter circumvention, such measures would require prior customs authorisation and stricter verification of origin, with a focus on shadow fleets, re-labelled imports and transit via third countries. In addition, the Commission will be asked to maintain a list of high-risk LNG terminals.

Last week, the latest Global Gateway Forum brought together 12 Heads of State and Government, and 70 ministers to highlight the success of the Global Gateway, and the EU’s strategy of international partnerships. President von der Leyen reported that Team Europe, which includes EU institutions, Member States, and development banks, has already mobilised €306 billion in investments across partner countries, reaching its original target two years early. The Commission President also set a new target of surpassing €400 billion by 2027 and announced the launch of the Global Gateway Investment Hub, which will serve as a single entry point for companies to propose and coordinate new projects.