Reinforcing European defence: buying weapons together
Russia’s war against Ukraine underlined the need for the EU to strengthen its defence strategy and speed up weapons production. Learn how.
On 9 May 2023, MEPs agreed to fast track legislation to boost EU production of ammunition and missiles, the so-called Act in Support of Ammunition Production(ASAP). Parliament approved plans to provide financing of €500 million to help EU industry ramp up capacity to increase deliveries to Ukraine and help EU countries refill their stocks on 13 July 2023.
Expanding European defence equipment stocks
MEPs are also working on legislation called the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through the common Procurement Act (Edirpa) to support EU countries in jointly purchasing defence products such as weapon systems, ammunition and medical equipment, to help fill the most urgent and critical gaps.
The aim of the new act is to boost the European defence industrial and technological base and foster cooperation on defence procurement.
How will common procurement of defence products work?
An instrument worth €300 million
In June 2023, Parliament and Council reached a deal on new rules to encourage EU countries to jointly procure defence products and support the EU’s defence industry.
On 12 September 2023, MEPs backed the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through common Procurement Act.
The new tool will have a €300 million budget until 31 December 2025. Joint purchases will have to involve at least three EU countries. The instrument will also be available to countries that are part of the European Economic Area: Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
Bonuses for projects supporting Ukraine and Moldova as well as small firms
The EU contribution will be capped at 15% of the estimated value of the contract, but this ceiling may be raised to 20% if the products are going to Ukraine or Moldova or if at least 15% of the contract goes to small or medium-sized companies.
The deal on the new rules now requires the Council's formal approval to become law.