Introduction of the First European Defense Industrial Strategy by the European Commission – Sky Bulletin

In an effort to bolster the European Union’s defense capabilities, the European Commission has unveiled the inaugural European Defense Industrial Strategy (EDIS). The strategy is set to strengthen the defense industry’s competitiveness and enhance the readiness of the EU, as announced by the commission’s press service on March 5.

There are concerns within Europe regarding the reliability of the United States as a security partner for the region, particularly in supporting Ukraine, with the prospect of Donald Trump returning to power as president.

The EU has been unable to fulfill a commitment to supply 1 million artillery shells to Ukraine within the timeframe of March 2023 to 2024. Approximately only half of these have been delivered so far, prompting Brussels to extend the deadline to the year’s end.

Released by the European Commission, the statement illustrates the existing challenges and potential opportunities for the European Defense Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB). Furthermore, the EDIS sets directions for advancements over the coming decade.

The statement emphasizes, “To enhance the European defense industrial base’s readiness, it is essential that Member States invest more, invest efficiently, and invest jointly and strategically at the European level.”

The European Defense Industry Program (EDIP) is being presented as a critical initial measure for the strategy’s implementation, alongside an actionable framework to guarantee the timely supply and availability of defense products.

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To promote the competitiveness of Europe’s defense sector, the EDIP is set to funnel 1.5 billion euros ($1.6 billion) from the EU budget during 2025-2027. The aim is to transition from immediate emergency responses in 2023 to a structured, sustainable approach.

The newly introduced strategy encourages closer collaboration with Ukraine by integrating it into EU defense initiatives, fostering relationships between EU and Ukrainian defense industries.

The strategy also advises EU member states to jointly procure a minimum of 40% of their defense equipment by the year 2030. It targets a goal to ensure that 35% of the EU defense market’s value comprises intra-European defense trade by then, with an objective to progressively increase internal EU defense procurements to 50% by 2030, and 60% by 2035.

Euractiv had earlier provided indications as to the scope of the European Commission’s support scheme for the defense industry, which could extend full membership to Ukraine.

Following the European Parliament’s resolution on Feb. 29, there has been a strong push for EU nations to offer “all necessary support” to Ukraine in its struggle against Russia, including the provision of long-range munitions.

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What is the European Defense Industrial Strategy (EDIS)?

EDIS is a strategy proposed by the European Commission to address and enhance the competitiveness and readiness of the EU’s defense industry.

What led to the creation of the EDIS?

The initiative arose from concerns about the EU’s defense capabilities and the potential unreliability of the US as a security partner, especially with regards to the situation in Ukraine.

What is the European Defense Industry Program (EDIP)?

The EDIP is an initiative intended to fund and promote the EU’s defense industry, allocating 1.5 billion euros from the EU budget for the years 2025-2027.

What are the main objectives of the EDIS?

The strategy sets objectives for joint procurement of defense equipment and increasing the share of intra-European defense trade and budget within the EU market by certain percentages by 2030 and 2035.

How will the EDIS impact Ukraine?

The strategy proposes integrating Ukraine into EU defense initiatives and promoting partnerships between the EU and Ukrainian defense industries.

The European Commission’s presentation of the first-ever European Defense Industrial Strategy marks a significant step toward a more collaborative, self-sufficient, and competitive EU defense industrial base. By setting clear objectives and establishing the European Defense Industry Program, the EU aims to enhance its defense capabilities and assert its strategic autonomy. The inclusion of closer ties with Ukraine signals the bloc’s commitment to supporting Ukraine amidst current geopolitical tensions. The success of the EDIS will be critical for the EU’s defense posture in the decade to come.