EU Aims to Reduce Long-Term Dependence on US in Defence Sector

EU Strategy to Strengthen Domestic Defence Industry

The European Union is taking steps to reduce its long-term dependence on non-EU defence suppliers, particularly the United States. While acknowledging the importance of transatlantic cooperation, Andrius Kubilius, the EU’s first Commissioner for Defence and Space, emphasized the need to strengthen Europe’s own defence production capabilities. The EU aims to ensure strategic autonomy by enhancing its defence industry and decreasing reliance on foreign suppliers in the coming years.

Growing Dependence on Non-EU Suppliers

One of the EU’s primary concerns is its increasing reliance on foreign defence suppliers. The European Aerospace, Security and Defence Industry (ASD) reported that between February 2022 and mid-2023, 75% of new EU defence orders came from non-European suppliers, highlighting a critical gap in domestic production. Guillaume de La Brosse, head of the EU’s defence industrial policy unit, reaffirmed that while strong cooperation with the US remains essential, the EU must gradually reduce its reliance to maintain defence sovereignty.

EU Divided Over Defence Procurement Policies

Efforts to boost domestic defence production have sparked debate among EU member states. The European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), with a proposed budget of €1.5 billion, aims to encourage local production by mandating that at least 65% of components in defence projects be sourced within the EU. France supports stricter sourcing requirements, advocating for 80% local content, while countries like Poland and the Netherlands push for greater flexibility to allow non-EU firms access to EU-funded projects. Despite the disagreements, the EU insists that member states remain free to procure from non-EU suppliers outside of EU-funded programs.

Defence Industry Advocates for Increased Domestic Support

A coalition of 28 European defence companies, including Airbus, Leonardo, and Rheinmetall, has urged the EU to focus financial support on European suppliers. These firms propose that EU funds prioritize projects with a minimum of 65% European-sourced components while maintaining cooperation with trusted non-EU partners like the UK. Their position reflects the broader push for strengthening Europe’s defence industry while ensuring resilience against external dependencies.