EU member states' defence spending rose by 20% last year, reaching EUR 418 billion.

Omissions

• The figure is a European Defence Agency (EDA) estimate covering the EU-27; it does not include the UK, Norway or other non-EU European NATO members, whose spending would raise the European total.
• The 20% growth is a nominal year-on-year increase; SIPRI data using a different methodology (constant USD, broader 'Europe' scope) reports a 14% rise to $864 billion for 2025, so the growth rate depends on the aggregation and currency basis used.
• An earlier EPRS estimate (March 2026) put 2025 spending at roughly €381 billion (2.1% of GDP); the final EDA figure of €418 billion supersedes that earlier projection.

Sources

• PrimaryEuropean Defence Agency (EDA) — EU defence spending: €418 billion in 2025, projected to €454 billion in 2026Defence spending by the EU's 27 Member States reached €418 billion in 2025, a 20% increase compared to 2024, according to the European Defence Agency.
• PrimaryEDA — Defence Data 2025–2026 (official publication, PDF)In 2025, total defence expenditure of the 27 EU Member States reached €418 billion (Figure 1), representing a 20% increase from 2024.
• PrimaryCouncil of the EU — EU defence in numbersIn 2025, member states' defence expenditure reached €418 billion, rising for the 11th consecutive year. In 2026, it is expected to reach an estimated €454 billion.
• SecondaryEuractiv — EU defence spending hits €418bn as joint procurement lags, EDA findsDefence spending across the EU rose 20% year-on-year in 2025 to reach €418 billion, the European Defence Agency (EDA) said.