EC proposes new measures to strengthen EU defense
The European Commission has proposed a new regulation to stimulate defense -related investments with EU budget funds, which aims to strengthen the EU defense by 2030 and enable implementation of the « Revocal of Europe » plan.
The new regulation will enable the use of existing EU financial programs for faster, more flexible and coordinated investment in Europe’s defense and industrial base.
« The proposed changes will improve the EU and member states’ ability to develop, increase and modernize key defense capacities by providing access to EU defense projects, » the Commission said.
The proposal expands the range of the Strategic Technologies Platform for Europe (Step), which would include both technologies and defense -related production, especially those segments that « White Book of European Defense – Preparedness 2030 » have been identified as priority. This will provide step support for the development of the most modern technologies necessary for the defense and the EU defense project.
In addition, member states are allowed to convert the funds from cohesive funds to volunteer, for the European Defense Fund (EDF) and the Act for Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP). At the same time, the importance of Asap is extended until December 31, 2026.
The funds from the cohesive funds of the « Connectivity of Europe » (CEF) program for transport infrastructure projects and dual -purpose digital capacity, which would increase military mobility and strengthen digital infrastructure.
– This initiative is a compliance with the goals of the common « white book for European defense – readiness 2030 ». She sets the EU a clear path to support the development of defense capacities to protect its citizens and values and to respond to the changing geopolitical environment – the EC said.
