European Defence Industry Reinforcement Through Common Procurement Act

EESC opinion: European Defence Industry Reinforcement Through Common Procurement Act

Background

On 19 July, the Commission has adopted a proposal for a Regulation by the European Parliament and the Council establishing the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through common Procurement Act (EDIRPA) for 2022-2024. As announced in the Joint communication on the Defence Investment Gaps in May, the Commission is delivering on its commitment to set up a Short-Term EU Instrument reinforcing European defence industrial capacities through common procurement by EU Member States. The Instrument, responding to the European Council's request, aims to address the most urgent and critical needs for defence products, resulting from Russia's aggression against Ukraine. The Commission proposes to commit €500 million of EU budget from 2022 to 2024. The Instrument will incentivise Member States, in a spirit of solidarity, to commonly procure and will facilitate access for all Member States to urgently needed defence products.