Common EU defence: more cooperation and rationalised expenditure in the plans
The Commission launches the most ambitious industrial project in the military field at European level. The aim is to promote cooperation between companies, facilitating joint procurement of armaments
from our correspondent Beda Romano
3' min read
3' min read
BRUSSELS - On Tuesday, 5 March, the European Commission presented the most ambitious industrial project in the military field at European level. In essence, it is about promoting cooperation between companies in the sector, facilitating the joint procurement of armaments. The choice comes two years after the outbreak of war in Ukraine. Many member states are cold to the idea of transferring expertise to Brussels, despite a market that is as fragmented as it is inefficient.
Better Investing
."Our defence spending goes on too many weapons systems, which are mainly bought outside the EU. Now that the defence budgets of all member states are rising sharply, we have to start investing better, which means above all investing together and investing in Europe,' explained Commission Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, presenting an eagerly awaited legislative initiative, anticipated by Il Sole 24 Ore, which caused quite a few discussions in the college.
In fact, the project is based on two programmes created in 2023, known by the acronyms EDIRPA and ASAP. The former promotes joint procurement; the latter supports increased ammunition production. In this context, a body dedicated to coordination between the member countries will be created (in English, the Defence Industrial Readiness Board). The aim is to strengthen cooperation, in a field where prerogatives remain purely national.
Buy European
.The EU executive proposes non-binding targets. By 2030, intra-European arms trade should account for 35% of the value of the European defence market. By 2030, EU procurement should account for 50 per cent of all European procurement. Finally, again by 2030, member states should jointly procure 40% of defence equipment. There is an attempt to impose (or rather suggest) some form of Buy European.
The new industrial programme will use EU money (also cohesion funds) with a budget line worth EUR 1.5 billion between 2025 and 2027. Further financial aid may intervene in the programme on the basis of Article 212 of the Treaties. The provision states that 'within their respective spheres of competence, the Union and the Member States shall cooperate with third countries and with the competent international organisations'.
