A Strategic Compass for security and defence

What is the Strategic Compass?

The Council approved the Strategic Compass on 22 March 2022, just a few weeks after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The Strategic Compass is an action plan that establishes a common strategic vision and concrete objectives to strengthen the EU's security and defence policy by 2030. It addresses rising threats such as geopolitical competition, economic rivalries, technological development, disinformation and the climate crisis.

The Compass sets out a multi-faceted approach that integrates diplomacy, humanitarian aid, development cooperation, climate action, human rights advocacy, economic support and trade policy.

It covers all aspects of security and defence policy and is structured around four pillars: act, secure, invest and partner.

Act – presence and engagement on the ground

Fast-tracking EU civilian and military tools to tailor action to partners' needs and strengthen the EU's role as a key player in crisis management across the world.

Invest – increased and improved spending

Being defence ready with an integrated, innovative, competitive and resilient European defence technological and industrial base, together with a reinforced European defence industry.

Secure – anticipate threats and protect citizens

Strengthening resilience to guarantee free, safe and secure access to contested strategic domains, protect EU citizens and support EU partners globally.

Partner – a key source of strength and resilience

Extending and deepening tailored partnerships with bilateral, regional and multilateral partners worldwide to ensure mutual benefit and enhanced collaboration.

A compass with the map of the European Union in the background.

Progress in numbers

Since the approval of the Strategic Compass in 2022, significant progress has been made on all the four pillars.

Act

the EU rapid deployment capacity becomes operational, enabling the EU to respond quickly to crises and threats (2025)
launch of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, a new maritime operation to enhance security in the Red Sea and Gulf region (2024)
launch of the EU Mission in Armenia (2023)
launch of the EU Partnership Mission in Moldova (2023)
launch of the security and defence initiative supporting West African countries of the Gulf of Guinea with tailored civilian and military expertise (2023)
launch of the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (2022)

Invest

presentation of the ReArm Europe plan/Readiness 2030 (2025)
adoption of the 'Security Action for Europe' (SAFE) instrument and activation of the national escape clause (2025)
ongoing negotiations on the European defence industry programme (2025)
member states’ defence expenditure amounted to €326 billion, including €102 billion in defence investments (2024)
€300 million to support joint defence procurement and €500 million to boost ammunition production within the EU budget (2023)

Secure

presentation of the preparedness union strategy (2025)
establishment of hybrid rapid response teams to assist member states and partners (2024)
development of a toolbox on foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) to address threats to democratic processes (2024)
adoption of the cyber resilience act and cyber solidarity act (2024)
adoption of measures for a high common level of cybersecurity across the EU (NIS2) and on critical entities resilience (2023)
adoption of the EU space strategy for security and defence, the EU policy on cyber defence and the revised EU maritime security strategy (2023)

Partner

signing of security and defence partnerships with non-EU countries (2024-2025)
engagement with the United Nations to implement the joint set of priorities for EU-UN cooperation (2022-2024)
organisation of the Schuman security and defence forum, attended by international partners, EU defence ministers and stakeholders (2023- 2024)
signature of the third EU-NATO joint declaration (2023)
engagement with regional partners such as the African Union, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Economic Community of West African States and the Gulf Cooperation Council
intensified dialogue and cooperation with key bilateral partners