The European Commission will propose new measures next week aimed at giving EU governments greater flexibility in defense procurement.
According to Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, the plan will focus on facilitating joint acquisitions and streamlining framework agreements.
The initiative will seek to simplify the EU directives on defense procurement and intra-EU transfers of defense products.
The proposal also aims to ease access to the European Defence Fund, reducing administrative barriers.
Areas under consideration include reporting requirements, competition rules, sustainable finance, and supply chains.
Moreover, the commission announced plans for a modernization roadmap to support innovation-related acquisitions, focusing on artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and lessons from Ukraine’s rapid defense innovation.
Growing Security Concerns
The EU is accelerating defense spending to strengthen deterrence amid heightened security concerns.
The ongoing war in Ukraine has raised concerns about potential future escalations.
“Despite the fact that we are not at war, we live in times of war,” stated Kubilius.
“[Russian President Vladimir] Putin‘s plans of aggression against us, EU and NATO Member States, can be deterred only by strength on our side, and on the side of Ukraine. And Putin is not planning to stop. And the perspective of war makes everything different,” he added.
At the same time, the prospect of a reduced US military presence in Europe, amid limited Washington military aid to Kyiv and increased pressure on NATO members to boost defense spending, is contributing to a shift in the EU’s defense posture.
Last month, the EU launched the Security Action for Europe program to support joint military procurement among member states under a $169-million budget.
The initiative is part of the ReArm Europe Plan presented in March by EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, aimed at mobilizing $841 billion for Europe’s defense.
