The EU Commission will present the White Paper on the Future of European Defence next week, outlining guidelines to enhance production and defence readiness in light of potential Russian military aggression. The Commissioners stress the need for member states to increase spending on European defence initiatives to bridge critical capability gaps, estimated to require at least €500 billion over the next decade. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed a five-point plan to mobilize up to €800 billion, including a new €150 billion instrument for joint procurement for defence and security. The Commission also plans to review the Sustainable Finance Disclosures Regulation to potentially include defence as an investment goal in the sustainability framework. The aim is to create a single market for defence, streamline rules, and promote joint purchases to strengthen industrial consolidation and bargaining power.
The Commissioners advocate for collaborative procurement and large-scale defence projects to address critical capability shortfalls in areas such as military mobility, drones, AI, quantum technology, cyber warfare, and air defence. The EU executive is considering introducing a European preference in public procurement rules for strategic defence-related sectors and technologies to further promote European defence capabilities. The goal is to simplify rules, reduce red tape, and establish a true European single market for defence to enhance competitiveness, defence readiness, and industrial scale, positioning the EU as a major player in the global defence market. The white paper underscores the urgency for Europe to rearm itself in the face of medium-term challenges, including uncertainties in the greater Middle East and the US administration’s shift towards the Indo-Pacific region, prompting Europe to enhance its contribution to NATO.
The white paper emphasizes the need for Europe to reduce dependencies on third countries, especially in the global technology race, as disruptive technologies like AI, cloud computing, quantum computing, and autonomous systems are increasingly shaping the battlefield. While dependencies on Russia have decreased, many member states still rely heavily on technologies from countries like China and the US, posing potential security risks. Europe must prioritize developing its own capabilities to stay competitive and secure against strategic competitors investing heavily in advanced technologies. The paper warns of the consequences of failing to address these vulnerabilities and stresses the importance of enhancing Europe’s strategic autonomy in defence technology.
The draft white paper highlights the importance of joint initiatives and coordination among EU member states to bolster their defence capabilities and address critical capability gaps. The proposed investments in European defence aim to strengthen industrial consolidation, lower costs through coordinated spending, and increase bargaining power in defence procurement. By creating a single market for defence and promoting collaborative projects, the EU seeks to enhance its competitiveness on a global scale and reduce reliance on third countries. The document underscores the need for Europe to build a robust defence industry to counter potential military threats, diversify its technology dependencies, and establish itself as a key player in the international defence market.
In conclusion, the upcoming White Paper on the Future of European Defence outlines a strategic roadmap for enhancing European defence capabilities, promoting joint procurement, and creating a European single market for defence. The document emphasizes the need for increased investment, collaboration, and coordination among member states to address critical capability gaps and reduce dependencies on third countries in advanced technologies. By rearming Europe, streamlining rules, and strengthening industrial consolidation, the EU aims to boost competitiveness, defence readiness, and strategic autonomy in the face of evolving security challenges. The white paper signals a significant shift towards a more united and resourceful European defence industry, setting the stage for enhanced cooperation and innovation in the realm of defence technology and security.
