The recently published White Paper on the Future of European Defense outlines urgent steps to boost Europe’s security. However, the White Paper crucially fails to address the drawbacks of unanimity, and risks distributing defence spending suboptimally.
Some key remarks:
Ukraine needs support right now
European joint investments should be targeted where the threat is the greatest. They should not be used as a cohesion tool to compensate for Member States’ neglect of defence procurement in the past.
We need to invest where the threat is real
European joint investments should be targeted where the threat is the greatest. They should not be used as a cohesion tool to compensate for Member States’ neglect of defence procurement in the past.
Buying European ≠ Buying French ≠ Protectionism
Strengthening Europe’s defence industry is absolutely crucial. However, it must promote competition, not protectionism.
The € 150 billion EU backed loans for joint procurement might not take off
Even with Ukraine, it is doubtful that the EU backed loans for joint procurement will be a success. The Member States will unlikely utilise the tool as much as expected.
And what about deadlocks?
The White Paper also fails to address majority voting on defence. We cannot remain hostages to Orbán´s Hungary and Fico´s Slovakia.
On the positive side:
🔹 Doubling the European Investment Bank´s annual investments to € 2 billion and funding military projects is a right step forward. The European Investment Bank must be able to fund lethal weaponry.
🔹 Activating the National Escape Clause can boost Member States´ investments in defence. Not to forget a VAT exemption for joint defence purchases – a first in EU policy. Finally.
💡 Security isn’t just about weapons – it’s about resilience. Let’s make sure Europe invests where it truly matters.
