European Parliament approves 1.5 billion euro defence industry support plan

The European Parliament has approved a new support programme for the defence industry, allocating 1.5 billion euros to increase the production of military equipment within the European Union. Although the funding itself is modest, most lawmakers hope that the initiative will primarily lay the groundwork for closer cooperation between member states.

In a plenary session in Strasbourg, MEPs approved the agreement reached with the Council last month by 457 votes to 148. Last year, the Commission proposed the legislation to improve the competitiveness and operational capacity of Europe’s defence industry, as well as to accelerate arms deliveries to Ukraine.

The European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) will run until 2027, receiving 1.5 billion euros in financing from the EU budget. In addition to supporting defence manufacturing in Europe, the programme is designed to encourage joint procurement and shared projects among member states. Around 300 million euros has been earmarked specifically for Ukraine.

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Several speakers expressed regret that the EDIP budget remains limited. During negotiations, Parliament unsuccessfully pushed to transfer 20 billion euros from the larger SAFE armament programme to EDIP, which focuses more explicitly on strengthening Europe’s long-term industrial base.

The scheme also aims to reduce strategic dependence by stipulating that at least 65 per cent of the value of supported products must originate within the EU. This issue required lengthy discussions, given the long-standing reliance of many member states on US defence suppliers.

EDIP forms part of the wider strategic defence initiative, 'Readiness 2030', presented by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on 4 March 2025. The plan seeks to mobilise up to 800 billion euros to reinforce Europe’s defence infrastructure amid heightened geopolitical tensions, including the war in Ukraine and uncertainty over future US military commitments.

^{#FlandersNewsService | © FREDERICK FLORIN / AFP}

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