6 March, 2024 Production of 155mm artillery barrels for Caesar ACS at Nexter facilities. Photo credits: Anthony THOMAS-TROPHIME
The European Union is considering the possibility of shifting the arms industry to war economy mode.
Reuters reported on this.
The European Commission has started considering this possibility amid Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as the eastern countries of the Union might be in danger.
First of all, the EU plans to develop incentives that should convince some countries to start and speed up the arms procurement process.
“We need to change the paradigm and move into war economy mode. This also means that the European defense industry must take more risks, with our support,” Thierry Breton, the European industry commissioner, stated.
In addition, he emphasized that procurement should be mostly from companies located in Europe, as this will help support the local industry and technology base.
Attempts by European countries to independently produce and purchase weapons are linked to the unstable political situation in the United States. First and foremost, European countries are very concerned about Donald Trump, who is running for the presidency of the United States and whose policies toward European countries are subversive.
“In the current geopolitical context, Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security, regardless of the outcome of our allies’ elections every four years,” Breton noted.
The war in Ukraine has revealed the complete unpreparedness of the European defense industry for a major war, which casts serious doubts on the ability of European countries to defend their territory.
Breton, the European industry commissioner, noted that the EU should consider creating a European version of the U.S. Foreign Military Sales scheme and more actively promote European manufacturers on the world stage.
The overall plan is designed to change the priorities of armaments. It will be determined by region and should currently focus on European countries. In addition, Breton’s package is expected to include some 1.5 billion euros ($1.63 billion) in new money through the end of 2027 – a modest sum in the world of large-scale defense procurement.
To become a reality, the proposals will need approval from the EU’s 27 national governments.
