The longstanding dream of establishing a European Union army appears to be fading away, with Brussels chief Josep Borrell stating that “defence is a member state competence” and stressing the need for better collaboration among the 27 member states.
The shift comes at a time when the EU faces increased pressure to enhance its defence capabilities.
German MEP Hannah Neumann, an expert in defence matters, echoed a sentiment that has gained traction, stating: “It doesn’t make sense to call for a European army at a time where you can’t even produce enough ammunition to defend yourself or support your closest partners.”
The European Union, responding to the threat posed by Russia’s war on Ukraine, outlined ambitious plans to bolster its defence industry on Tuesday.
The EU Commission’s focus will revolve around streamlining arms procurement among its member states and reducing dependence on the US defence industry.
Vice President Margrethe Vestager revealed that over €100 billion was spent on defence acquisitions in the first 16 months since the start of the Ukraine war, with nearly 80 percent spent outside the EU, predominantly in the US.
Vestager emphasised the unsustainability of such reliance, saying: “This is no longer sustainable — if it ever was.”
The push for strategic independence highlights a growing sense of political estrangement from the United States, reinforced by former President Donald Trump’s influence and criticism of European defence spending.
EU Commissioner Thierry Breton, a driving force behind strengthening the EU’s defence industry, underscored the necessity for the bloc to rely on its own industrial base. He noted that the US cannot provide essential resources, particularly in terms of ammunition.
The heightened tensions with Russia, evident in its invasion of Ukraine, exposed glaring weaknesses in Europe’s arms manufacturing capacities. The EU now faces the imperative to invest more in defence and foster a competitive European defence industry.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell emphasised the need for collective action. He said: “A strong, resilient, and competitive European defence industry is a strategic imperative.”
The proposed plans seek to consolidate defence strategies and impose common goals, with member states urged to buy at least 40 percent of defence equipment collectively and ensure that 35 percent of defence value represents internal trade by 2030.
While challenges persist in meeting production targets, officials express optimism about improvements in artillery shell production by the end of the year.
