European Commission: defence, European Strategy. “For the benefit of Member States, citizens, NATO and Ukraine”

The war in Ukraine and the many conflicts surrounding Europe have prompted the European Commission to present the first-ever “European Defence Industrial Strategy at EU level”. The documentation accompanying the proposal states: “Two years ago, Russia’s unjustified, on-going war of aggression against Ukraine marked the return of high-intensity conflict on our continent”. The European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS) sets “a clear, long-term vision to achieve defence industrial readiness in the European Union”. It should be noted that although the Commission does not have direct competence in defence, which is the responsibility of the Member States, it does have it in the defence industry. As a first instrument to implement the Strategy, the European Commission has therefore tabled a legislative proposal for a European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) and a framework of measures to ensure “the timely availability and supply of defence products”. “A stronger and more responsive European defence industry – the Commission said in a statement – will benefit the Member States and ultimately EU citizens. It will also benefit the EU’s key partners, including NATO and Ukraine”.
Valentina Bombelli