European Defence Industrial Strategy: A New Era for EU Security

The European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS), presented in March 2024, aims to transform the European Union’s defence capabilities by 2035. With an increased focus on collaboration and innovation, EDIS seeks to address fragmentation in the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) and reduce the EU's dependence on non-EU suppliers, particularly from the U.S.

At its core is the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), a €1.5 billion initiative designed to boost collaboration across Member States. Through SEAP (Structure for European Armament Programme), EDIS encourages joint projects spanning the entire defence lifecycle – from research and development to procurement and maintenance. One of the most ambitious goals is for 50% of EU defence procurement to come from the EDTIB by 2030, improving Europe’s autonomy and resilience.

Beyond addressing industrial gaps, EDIS emphasizes the importance of partnerships, particularly with Ukraine. As the war in Ukraine continues, the strategy promotes long-term assistance to Ukraine’s defence sector, encouraging cooperation between European and Ukrainian defence industries. Among key initiatives are (1) exploring ways to improve Ukraine's involvement in EU defence programs, (2) organizing an EU-Ukraine Defence Industry Forum, and (3) establishing an Innovation Office in Kyiv.

However, experts express concerns about the adequacy of the proposed budget. The €1.5 billion allocated to EDIP, while ambitious, is seen as insufficient to create meaningful impact across such a vast and fragmented sector. Despite the increased defence budget across the EU – rising to €290 billion in 2023 – most of this funding has gone toward procuring equipment from non-EU suppliers, primarily the United States. This reality presents a significant challenge to the EDIS goals of fostering European defence autonomy.

The strategy also outlines targets for improving cross-border collaboration. Currently, only 18% of defence procurement is collaborative – far below the 35% target agreed upon within the European Defence Agency. The EDIS sets a goal of reaching at least 40% collaborative defence procurement by 2030.

To support these objectives, EDIS proposes establishing a Defence Industrial Readiness Board, which would facilitate coordinated defence programming and joint procurement across the EU. The European Investment Bank (EIB) is also encouraged to play a more active role, reforming its lending policy to facilitate access to financing for defence projects, including for SMEs and innovative start-ups.

Despite its ambitious vision, the EDIS faces significant challenges. Ensuring that Member States commit to the non-binding targets and providing adequate funding will be key to its success. The broader political climate and reliance on non-European defence suppliers remain obstacles, but if implemented effectively, EDIS has the potential to create a more resilient and self-sufficient European defence sector.

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