The European Commission (EC) has presented a package of initiatives aimed at consolidating and strengthening the overall defense potential of the European Union (EU) and achieving autonomy in defense and security, Report informs via Interfax.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has stated that the European Union must preserve its technological superiority in the face of deepening geopolitical competition.
This new package of initiatives includes strengthening a more integrated and competitive defense system by increasing cooperation within the EU. Europe plans to increase defense production, reduce costs and increase operational efficiency.
Means to achieve these goals include additional incentives for member states to invest in joint defense projects, the promotion of joint defense procurement, joint research, and export control of defense assets.
By late 2022, the European Defense Fund (EDF) will invest 1.9 billion euros in defense research and defense potential development projects.