Security Action for Europe (SAFE) through the reinforcement of the European defence industry instrument

In the political guidelines of the new Commission, it was announced that the EEAS and the European Commission are working on a White Paper on the Future of European Defence, expected in the first 100 days of the mandate. The objective of the White Paper is to frame the new approach on defence and identify our investment needs.

Defence budgets are still predominantly spent on a national basis. A fraction of equipment spending in Europe is devoted to EU joint procurement. And the vast majority of defence acquisitions by Member States are still made from outside Europe.

This opinion will examine the state and importance of the European defence industry. Europe must urgently strengthen its preparedness for and resilience against a new geopolitical reality and invest in European defence industry. This opinion will examine investment in European defence industry, including creating a Single Market for Defence products and services, enhancing production capacity and fostering joint procurement.  This opinion will also highlight the urgent need to rebuild, replenish and transform national armed forces. Moreover, this opinion will offer recommendations for possible policy measures and coordination to create a pool of resources and counter common threats through the flagship European Defence Union projects and thus prepare the European Defence industry to face the current geopolitical context, with a view to building common security, in line with previous CCMI and EESC opinions.