Borrell: We must invest more and better in defense

(Patria) - EU High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security Josep Borrell stated yesterday that the basis of the first European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS) is for Europeans to invest "more, better, together, and more European-ly" in arms production.

"After two years of high-intensity war in Ukraine, stocks have been depleted and the conflict has evolved from a war of attrition to a war of production," Borrell wrote in a blog on the European External Action Service (EEAS) website.

Borrell says that for the implementation of EDIS and the European Defence Investment Programme, adopted by the European Commission (EC) on March 5, strengthened budgetary support and better cooperation and coordination among member states are most important.

"Defence policy remains within the exclusive competence of EU member states, and they are masters of their armies. If we want to boost the European defence industry, cooperation with member states is therefore key. We must invest more, better, together, and more European-ly," Borrell stated.

He also points out that the strategy includes a series of measures to be implemented to achieve the goals – for the EU to strengthen its defence industry and replenish its arms stocks while continuing to provide military assistance to Ukraine.

"We specifically call on the governing bodies of the European Investment Bank (EIB) to adapt their lending policies to enable the financing of the European defence industry.

For the remaining period of the current multiannual financial framework (MFF) from 2025 to 2027, EUR 1.5 billion from the EU budget will be allocated to support the European defence industry," Borrell announced.

The establishment of a Defence Industrial Preparedness Board should overcome "Europe's fragmentation," find ways for joint procurement, and define industrial production targets.

"With the new European Defence Industrial Strategy, our goal is a 40% share in joint procurement by 2030," reiterated the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security, referring to the goals outlined in the strategy.

Last Tuesday, the College of Commissioners approved a joint communication from the Commission and Borrell on the new European Defence Industrial Strategy, which, in addition to joint procurement, proposes increasing ammunition production capacity and investing in the further development of this industrial sector.