Strategic Autonomy and Defense Procurement: European Union’s Response to Geopolitical Uncertainties

The escalating geopolitical tensions, exemplified by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, have precipitated a transformative approach to defense procurement within the European Union. The study analyzes the complex interplay between geopolitical uncertainties, technological innovation, and collective defense industrial policy. By investigating the EU’s unprecedented financial commitment to defense infrastructure, the research explores how member states are recalibrating their approach to military readiness, industrial capacity, and technological sovereignty. Utilizing a comprehensive mixed-methods approach, the study provides critical insights into the EU’s evolving defense economic strategy, highlighting the shift from traditional procurement models to a more integrated, technologically advanced, and strategically responsive framework. The research critically assesses the potential implications of this massive investment for European defense capabilities, industrial competitiveness, and geopolitical resilience in an increasingly volatile international security landscape.