Introduced in March 2022, just weeks after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Strategic Compass was designed to provide a clear roadmap for improving the EU's ability to act decisively in a crisis, as well as protecting its citizens and contributing to peace and stability around the globe.
The Compass aims to create a shared strategic culture among EU member nations, while simultaneously improving Europe's ability to respond to both traditional and emerging security challenges. Structured around four pillars (Act, Secure, Invest and Partner), it provides a framework for addressing threats ranging from military aggression and cyber attacks to hybrid warfare and critical infrastructure disruption.
The war in Ukraine has accelerated many of the initiatives outlined in the Compass. Since 2022, the EU has mobilised significant support for Ukraine, providing both lethal and non-lethal assistance while training more than 90,000 Ukrainian military personnel through the EU Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM). Alongside this, the EU Advisory Mission for Civilian Security Sector Reform has expanded its work in areas including critical infrastructure protection, countering hybrid threats and strengthening civilian resilience.
A major milestone was reached in 2025 with the launch of the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity, which enhances the Union's ability to respond quickly to external crises. The EU has also increased efforts to counter cyber, maritime and space-based threats, including measures to protect vital infrastructure such as submarine communications cables and deployments aimed at addressing hybrid threats in neighbouring regions.
Investment has been another key focus. Defence spending by member nationsl reached an estimated €392 billion in 2025, supported by initiatives such as SAFE and the European Defence Industry Programme, which aim to strengthen Europe's defence industrial base and encourage joint procurement.
The EU has also expanded its global partnerships, signing new Security and Defence Partnerships with countries including the UK, Canada, India, Australia, Iceland and Ghana. While some objectives remain to be completed, the Strategic Compass has already played a significant role in shaping a stronger, more resilient and more coordinated European security framework.