On Wednesday, the European Parliament adopted two reports aimed at creating a genuine internal market for defense equipment and addressing gaps in the EU's military capacity. With this call, the Parliament broadly confirmed earlier appeals made by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Foreign Commissioner Kaja Kallas.
Multiannual budget
MEPs also want increased and long-term EU funding for a strong, independent European Defense. This would reduce European countries' dependence on purchases from the American arms industry. However, this means significant shifts and cuts are needed in the 2028–2035 multiannual financial framework. It is precisely on this issue that the groups in Strasbourg have not yet reached an agreement.
EU politicians believe that the 27 EU countries and the European Commission must come up with a plan to promote the procurement of European Defense products. This would make demand more predictable, lead to increased investments in research and development, and allow production to be scaled up. The European Parliament also indicated that Ukraine should already be treated as an integral part of the EU defense market, sending this message ahead of the EU summit of heads of state and government.
Promotion
Shortages in everything
The second report states that EU countries face serious and prolonged shortages in their defense capacity. Deficiencies exist in artillery, air defense, missiles and ammunition, mobility, drones, and anti-drone systems. EU countries are also lagging behind in military space capabilities, critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, and maritime combat.
These shortages weaken the EU's ability to deter military threats and to conduct large-scale, long-term military operations. At the same time, the risk of hybrid and traditional warfare has increased. In reality, EU countries are not yet able in the short term to independently build a European Defense and defense system.
Major projects
Quick progress must be made on major European defense projects to fill the most significant gaps in European defense. These include the Drone Defence Initiative, the Eastern Flank Watch, the Air Defence Shield, and the Defence Space Shield. These projects have already been initiated in recent months by the European Commission.