EU Defense Policy Undergoes Overhaul Amid 'Global Competition' – Politico
The European Parliament is preparing to conduct a private discussion regarding a new report that assesses the competitiveness of the EU defense sector. Read Full Article at RT.com.
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The European Parliament is set to engage in private, high-level discussions on Wednesday regarding a new report focused on the competitiveness of the EU defense industry, as reported by Politico.
Drafted by former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, the document reportedly urges the bloc to reevaluate its defense policy in response to the Ukraine conflict and the perceived threat from Russia.
“The EU’s defense industrial base is facing structural challenges in terms of capacity, know-how and technological edge. As a result, the EU is not keeping pace with its global competitors,” the draft states, according to Politico's report on Monday.
Draghi was commissioned to prepare the 400-page report by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who indicated last week that a “systemic overhaul” of the EU’s defense spending is necessary to enhance production capabilities and decrease reliance on the US.
The report also highlights “the emergence of new types of hybrid threats” and a potential “shift of geographic focus” by the US, suggesting that the EU must take on “growing responsibility” for its own security.
In previous statements, Draghi, who has also held the position of head of the European Central Bank, pointed out that his report would explore ways to address productivity gaps primarily caused by insufficient investment in innovation.
It is noted that the EU allocates approximately one-third of what the US spends on defense, while the bloc’s arms manufacturers rely heavily on international suppliers, with 80% sourcing from abroad, mainly from the US.
An international think tank, the European Council on Foreign Relations, remarked last month that the situation in Ukraine has laid bare “the sorry state of European militaries and defense industries.”
Among the suggested measures are incentives for domestic defense solutions over foreign competitors, and reducing bureaucratic obstacles for arms manufacturers seeking access to EU funding.
The United States, a leading NATO member, has historically played a pivotal role in the defense of the bloc, with most EU countries being part of NATO. Since the conflict in Ukraine began in early 2022, the White House has bolstered its military presence in the EU. Nations like the Czech Republic and the Baltic states have expressed concerns that Russia might attack them should it emerge victorious in Ukraine.
Moscow has consistently rejected such assertions. President Vladimir Putin remarked in June that there is no risk of Russia attacking NATO countries, stating that it harbors no “imperial ambitions,” and characterized these accusations as “nonsense.”
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
Drafted by former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, the document reportedly urges the bloc to reevaluate its defense policy in response to the Ukraine conflict and the perceived threat from Russia.
“The EU’s defense industrial base is facing structural challenges in terms of capacity, know-how and technological edge. As a result, the EU is not keeping pace with its global competitors,” the draft states, according to Politico's report on Monday.
Draghi was commissioned to prepare the 400-page report by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who indicated last week that a “systemic overhaul” of the EU’s defense spending is necessary to enhance production capabilities and decrease reliance on the US.
The report also highlights “the emergence of new types of hybrid threats” and a potential “shift of geographic focus” by the US, suggesting that the EU must take on “growing responsibility” for its own security.
In previous statements, Draghi, who has also held the position of head of the European Central Bank, pointed out that his report would explore ways to address productivity gaps primarily caused by insufficient investment in innovation.
It is noted that the EU allocates approximately one-third of what the US spends on defense, while the bloc’s arms manufacturers rely heavily on international suppliers, with 80% sourcing from abroad, mainly from the US.
An international think tank, the European Council on Foreign Relations, remarked last month that the situation in Ukraine has laid bare “the sorry state of European militaries and defense industries.”
Among the suggested measures are incentives for domestic defense solutions over foreign competitors, and reducing bureaucratic obstacles for arms manufacturers seeking access to EU funding.
The United States, a leading NATO member, has historically played a pivotal role in the defense of the bloc, with most EU countries being part of NATO. Since the conflict in Ukraine began in early 2022, the White House has bolstered its military presence in the EU. Nations like the Czech Republic and the Baltic states have expressed concerns that Russia might attack them should it emerge victorious in Ukraine.
Moscow has consistently rejected such assertions. President Vladimir Putin remarked in June that there is no risk of Russia attacking NATO countries, stating that it harbors no “imperial ambitions,” and characterized these accusations as “nonsense.”
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
