“Made in Europe” investments for defense - 70% of product components must be produced in the EU
The €1.5 billion European Defence Industry Programme should only finance products that include at least 70% of components manufactured within the EU or associated countries such as Ukraine and Norway, the parliamentary industry (ITRE) and defence (SEDE) committees announced.
Parliament's position was adopted by 70 votes in favour, 46 against and eight abstentions, following an unsuccessful attempt by some MEPs to postpone the vote to June in order to renegotiate the 70-30% ratio.
"It is time to end our dependence on external factors. A sovereign Europe is a stronger and more secure Europe, and this vote is a clear step in that direction," said one of the leading MEPs who followed the issue.
The EU Commission initially proposed a 65% ratio in March 2024, with the aim of providing long-term support for the bloc's defence industry by encouraging more European purchases, boosting production and reducing fragmentation. A large majority of MEPs supported the measure to reduce the EU's heavy dependencies in the defence sector.
From February 2022 to June 2023, 78% of European defense purchases originated outside the EU. According to a study by the European Parliamentary Research Service, increased European cooperation could save between 24.5 billion and 75.5 billion euros per year.
"The European Parliament will insist on the creation of a strong regulation that encourages EU member states to increase joint procurement to build stronger, more strategic, efficient and unified European defense capabilities," said sources from the Parliament's security and defense committee.
MEPs also called for greater funding for the program and agreed to strengthen cooperation and procurement with the Ukrainian defense industry.
Parliament's position must be adopted during the next session in Strasbourg, scheduled for 5-8 May.
Meanwhile, the Council, representing the member states, still needs to adopt its position before negotiations on the final text can begin, as disagreements continue over the admissibility criteria.
“For the Defence Industry Programme to fulfil its ambition, member states must follow the European Parliament's call and provide additional funding,” argued one MEP.
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