Europe Steps Up: A New Era for European Defense and Industrial Sovereignty

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20250422IPR28106/meps-push-for-a-more-ambitious-european-defence-industry-programme

In a bold move reflecting the shifting security landscape of Europe, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have just backed a major legislative initiative aimed at strengthening the EU’s defense capabilities and industrial autonomy. Welcome to the European Defense Industry Programme (EDIP) — the next big step in Europe’s journey

toward strategic sovereignty.

Why Now?

The past few years have underscored the urgent need for a stronger, more coordinated European response to security threats — not just in terms of policy, but also in terms of real-world defence capabilities. Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine has been a wake-up call. The EU can no longer afford fragmented defence efforts or overreliance on external suppliers. The EDIP is the European Parliament's answer to that challenge.

What Is the EDIP?

The EDIP is a proposed €1.5 billion programme designed to unify, modernize, and scale up Europe’s defence industry. It builds on previous short-term efforts like the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP) and EDIRPA (European Defence Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement Act), both of which end in 2025.

This new programme isn’t just a funding tool — it’s a structural shift toward an integrated, strategic European defence ecosystem.

Key Features of the Programme

1. Boosting Manufacturing & Stockpiling

The EDIP aims to ramp up the production of weapons, ammunition, and other essential products while reducing the lead times for delivery. The goal? Faster, more reliable defence readiness across the EU.

2. “Buy European” Principle

To receive funding, at least 70% of a defence product’s value must come from components made within the EU or associated countries. This is a direct push to reduce dependency on non-European suppliers and strengthen local industry.

3. Joint Procurement and Shared Projects

Instead of duplicating efforts, EDIP promotes joint orders and collective development among at least six member states—or four from high-risk regions. This maximizes efficiency and builds interoperability across European forces.

4. New Tools and Structures

A Military Sales Mechanism will act as a central marketplace for EU defence goods.

A Structure for European Armament Programme will coordinate defence equipment development from design to decommissioning.

A Defence Industrial Readiness Board will manage a new EU-wide Security of Supply Regime — ensuring that the EU never again faces shortages of critical military gear.

5. Support for Ukraine

The EDIP includes a Ukraine Support Instrument (USI) that will fund the modernization of Ukraine’s defence sector, integrate it into the EU’s industrial base, and increase the EU’s purchases of Ukrainian-made equipment. It’s a clear sign that Ukraine’s future is viewed as interlinked with Europe's.

Political Momentum

This initiative isn’t just about defence — it’s about sovereignty, resilience, and unity. As MEP Raphaël Glucksmann put it, “This is no longer just an option — it’s a strategic imperative.” François-Xavier Bellamy echoed the sentiment, celebrating the Parliament's ability to move fast and decisively on such a critical issue.

The report passed with solid support and will now move into negotiations with the Council — the next step before EDIP becomes EU law.

Why This Matters

For decades, Europe's defence landscape has been a patchwork. EDIP is a bold attempt to sew those pieces into a cohesive whole — one capable of protecting the EU’s interests, values, and borders. It's not just about weapons and factories; it's about control, preparedness, and cooperation in an increasingly unpredictable world.

Stay tuned for updates as the Council finalizes its position and interinstitutional negotiations