The European Union has approved a major defence plan that aims to significantly increase Europe’s military spending by 2030. The plan aims to strengthen Europe’s military power with a total increase of €800 billion. The increased defence spending aims to create a strong military deterrent against Russia and the plan, led by the European Commission, aims to encourage joint defence purchases among EU member states.
Joint Defense Procurement and New Financing Methods
The European Commission is proposing that member states spend more on joint defense purchases. The proposal was announced in a defense bulletin published on March 19. According to the bulletin, EU-backed loans worth €150 billion ($163 billion) will be provided for defense purchases by two or more member states, or with partner countries such as Norway, Switzerland and Ukraine. These loans will be used in critical investment areas, particularly air defense, military mobility, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and strategic enablers.
Common Market Proposal in Defense Industry
While the UK, Turkey and the US have been left out of the plan, the European Commission has said that defence industry organisations and products from other partner countries could be included in joint purchases if they reach an agreement with the EU. European leaders approved an €20 billion plan to increase Europe’s military spending after a meeting on March 800. The plan envisages expanding defence spending to contribute to the creation of a single market across Europe.
New Investment Areas for Strengthening the Defense Industry
The plan provides an important basis for investments, especially in strategic sectors. The EU noted that there were deficiencies in areas such as air and missile defense, artillery systems, ammunition and missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, military mobility, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and electronic warfare. It was emphasized that serious financial resources were required for the development of these areas. European Defense and Space Commissioner Kubilius stated that such projects were not only a national but also a regional defense issue.
European Defence Industry Common Procurement Facility (EDIRPA)
The EU's "European Defense Industry Common Procurement Instrument" (EDIRPA) program is expected to provide joint action in the defense industry. This program aims to encourage countries to make joint defense purchases and to ensure that the defense industry operates more effectively. The European Commission proposes to act as a central purchasing body on behalf of member countries. However, it is also stated that this body should use existing structures, such as the European Defense Agency, more effectively.
A Critical Juncture for Europe's Military Future
The European Union’s 2030 Defense Plan aims to not only increase Europe’s defense power, but also lay the foundations for a more sustainable and efficient defense structure by encouraging cooperation in the defense industry. This plan will be an important step in meeting Europe’s future defense needs by increasing the EU’s military spending and increasing investments in strategic areas.
