In a significant shift in its defense policy, the European Union is charting a new course with the introduction of a comprehensive European Defence Industrial Strategy and a hefty €1.5 billion subsidy program, the European Defence Investment Programme. Announced by the European Commission, this move embodies the EU’s resolve to enhance its defense capabilities and reduce reliance on American weaponry, a sentiment amplified by uncertainties stemming from a pressing need to respond to Russian aggression in Ukraine.
Thierry Breton, the European Commissioner for Internal Market, emphasized that Europe is contending with an “existential threat.” Such an acknowledgment reflects an understanding within the EU that there are strategic shifts which necessitate a robust European response in defense. The EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, underscored this point by stating the need for the EU to “bolster its defense capabilities” in response to Russia’s actions. Moreover, the strategy does not only react to current conflicts but is seen as a “broader response to a strategic paradigm shift,” as voiced by Camille Grand, a policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations and former NATO assistant secretary-general.
The new strategy marks a departure from the EU’s historical reliance on American military support and equipment. The EU, the world’s second-largest economy, is aiming to punch its weight in defense matters more effectively. The plan not only seeks to bolster the EU’s military-industrial complex but also presents a concerted effort to establish a more self-reliant and integrated European defense apparatus.
Financial incentives for joint weapons procurement are also part of the proposal, targeting exclusively European companies.The program’s wide scope even includes treating Ukraine as a quasi-member state, allowing joint weapons purchases, demonstrating the EU’s dedication to backing Ukraine against Russian advancements. This approach involves substantial policy and regulatory adjustments but is not intended as a complete revision of current treaties, rather as a strategic strengthening within the EU’s legal structures. Breton has assured that defense “must remain a national responsibility” and the strategy is about “working better together within the framework of the treaties.”
The European Defence Industrial Programme’s €1.5 billion is deemed a starting point, with projections suggesting that Europe may require upwards of €100 billion to establish a competitive industrial complex. Despite the relative modesty of the initial sum, officials, including Commission Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager, view it as a strategic incentive to foster member state collaboration.
The path forward is paved with challenges. The European Commission anticipates resistance and acknowledges the complexity of aligning diverse national defense interests. A senior EU diplomat highlighted potential pushback to any perceived encroachment on member state competencies, particularly regarding the Commission’s coordinating role in military sales or industry consortiums.
Antonio Missiroli, a former NATO assistant secretary-general, pointed out, “The European Union tends to react to shocks.” Should these shocks materialize, it may indeed foster a readiness to embark on new defense paths to support the European defense industrial base.The EU’s shift towards a more autonomous defense posture resonates with broader transatlantic policy discussions.
Relevant articles:
– Why the Washington Summit Should Focus on Europe, CSIS | Center for Strategic and International Studies, Wed, 20 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT
– Designing a US-EU industrial and trade policy, Atlantic Council, Wed, 18 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT
– How European Transatlanticists Might Approach an Isolationist U.S. Administration, CSIS | Center for Strategic and International Studies, Thu, 01 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT