VdL Outlines 4 Strands Of Defence Strategy Amid Concern Of EU 'Powergrab'

Speaking at the European Defence Agency's annual conference, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen states that the Commission will "propose a European defence industry programme early next year." VdL: "For defence industrial readiness, we need a stronger European reflex. From planning to procurement. The European Defence Industrial Strategy will support that reflex along 4 strands. Strategic focus. Better rules. Dual use. And funding."

• Politico reports: "Europe’s leading military powers — Germany, France, Italy and Sweden — fear a Commission powergrab as Brussels seeks to boost the Union’s defense integration. “[P]rerogatives of Member States have to be regarded,” the four countries say in a document seen by [Politico]. They add that any measure proposed by the Commission needs to be “suitable, necessary and proportionate.” The document comes after the Commission, [...], suggested creating new joint procurement instruments as well as a system mirroring the U.S. Foreign Military Sales scheme."
• All four nations mentioned above have significant domestic defence industries. While these firms could benefit from joint EU procurement in the face of US and UK competition, given the high sensitivity of the sector Berlin, Paris et al. are seen as keen to interact with Washington, D.C., and London on a bilateral basis to ensure the continuation of good relations.