The European Parliament voted in favor of a new mechanism, the purpose of which is to stimulate the defense industry and help countries modernize weapons.
This was reported by “European Truth” with reference to the press service of the European Parliament.
The bill was passed by 530 votes to 66, with 32 abstentions. It now requires formal approval by the EU Council to become law.
“Today’s vote marks a historic moment for EU defence, creating the EU’s first joint procurement tool among member states. It will help them replenish their stockpiles, increase interoperability between our militaries, strengthen our industry and contribute to our unwavering support for Ukraine,” Michael Gahler, co-rapporteur of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said after the vote.
The new short-term instrument, abbreviated EDIRPA, already agreed with the EU Council at the end of June, will help countries meet their most urgent defense needs amid intensive assistance to Ukraine, and should also improve the efficiency and competitiveness of European manufacturers.
The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union agreed on a budget of 300 million euros to finance this instrument. The EU will contribute up to 20% per procurement of the expected value of the joint procurement contract – for each consortium of member countries and associated countries.
To benefit from these funds, companies with joint procurement contracts must be based in the EU or associated countries (including the countries of the European Free Trade Association, i.e. including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway).
Countries that will jointly purchase military goods will also be able to agree to purchase them jointly with Ukraine and Moldova.
EDIRPA will be an addition to the European Peace Fund, which currently funds, among other things, military assistance from member countries for Ukraine.
