Today, negotiators from the European Parliament and the member states reached an agreement on the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) – a €1.5 billion initiative. This marks the EU’s first truly common and long-term instrument aimed at building a strong European defence industry, supporting Ukraine, and promoting the integration of the European and Ukrainian defence sectors.
S&D negotiators pushed for a more ambitious budget for EDIP, which unfortunately was not possible due to the reluctance of member states to find fresh money for EDIP. Nevertheless, the three institutions – the European Parliament, EU Council and the Commission – have signed joint declarations ensuring that new funds will be made available for EDIP over the next two years. The S&D Group will continue to fight for a substantial increase in funding for defence industry instruments in the upcoming EU Multiannual Financial Framework.
By insisting on strong European interest and European preference eligibility criteria, the S&D negotiators ensured that – unlike the SAFE programme adopted earlier this year – EDIP will serve the collective security interests of the Union rather than individual member states’ agendas.
Raphaël Glucksmann, S&D MEP and EP rapporteur on the file in SEDE committee, said:
“Russia’s offensive in Ukraine and hybrid attacks on EU countries remind us daily that we have no time to lose. Europe must finally be able to defend itself. EDIP was conceived exactly for this purpose – to strengthen collective defence through common investment, joint procurement, and integration of Ukrainian and European industries.
“Failing to allocate sufficient funding for EDIP is a missed opportunity and a strategic mistake for the EU.
“Still, today’s agreement is a crucial step towards transforming and strengthening our defence industry. We have secured guarantees that EU funds will build European capabilities, free from external dependence.
“Our defence industries must gain full autonomy to develop and deploy equipment financed by EDIP.
“Importantly, EDIP will now allow us to better support Ukraine by increasing arms supplies and integrating Ukrainian companies into the European defence ecosystem. Member states can jointly purchase from Ukrainian producers, with the Commission as a central buyer.
“This is what a sovereign, responsible, and united Europe looks like. Our political family is and will always remain at the forefront of the defence of European democracies.”
Yannis Maniatis, S&D vice-president, and ITRE commitee negotiator, said:
“Budget aside, the deal on EDIP reflects several key S&D priorities. First, we secured the creation of European Defence Projects of Common Interest (EDPCIs). Our goal was to ensure that these large-scale cooperative industrial projects serve the Union’s common security interests ahead of individual member states’ interests.
“Besides, unlike the SAFE programme adopted earlier this year, EDIP includes strong European preference criteria, meaning it will only fund projects that enhance cooperation between member states, reinforcing European Defence Technological and Industrial Base and reducing dependencies on third countries.
“Additionally, EDIP will feature mechanisms to prevent and resolve crises within the internal defence market.”
