Politico unveils details of EU's defense 'white paper,' which includes support for Ukraine
Photo: Politico revealed details of the "white paper" on strengthening EU defense (flick com libereurope)
The European Union has developed a plan for the development of defense to deter Russia and support Ukraine. The project includes investments in the expansion of the defense industry, Politico reports.
The media resource familiarized itself with the details of the so-called "White Paper" on defense. The document was prepared by EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius and the EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas. The draft could still change before being released.
Important elements of the new EU policy include promoting the production of weapons within the bloc and "like-minded third-country companies," encouraging joint purchases of arms, simplifying defense project financing, focusing on key areas, and reducing bureaucratic barriers to defense investments.
“Russia is an existential threat to the Union and given its past record of invading its neighbours and its current expansionist policies, the need to deter from Russian armed aggression will remain even after a just and lasting peace agreement with Ukraine,” the draft says.
The document also repeatedly mentions the factor of a change in US policy regarding Ukraine, Europe, and NATO. It emphasizes that Europe cannot rely on US security guarantees.
"Europe cannot take the US security guarantee for granted and must substantially step up its contribution to preserve NATO," the plan states, emphasizing that NATO remains the cornerstone of collective defense in Europe.
The document also highlights the need for "collaborative procurement" and providing countries with financial capabilities to make advantageous deals. The European Commission "could also act as a central purchasing body on their behalf." The White Paper identifies seven key areas for priority investments:
- Air and missile defense;
- Artillery systems;
- Ammunition and missiles;
- Drones and counter-drone systems;
- Military mobility
- Artificial intelligence, quantum, cyber, and electronic warfare;
- Strategic enablers, combat capabilities, and critical infrastructure protection.
The initial steps include the need for EU countries to approve the proposed loosening of fiscal rule to facilitate the increase in defense spending, agree on joint financing of 35% of defense expenditures, approve the European defense industry program with a budget of 1.5 billion euros, and reach an agreement with NATO on critical capability areas.
The document also outlines steps to support Ukraine, including the provision of 1.5 million artillery shells, air defense systems, continuing the training of Ukrainian troops, placing orders in the Ukrainian defense industry, closer involvement of Ukraine in the EU military financing schemes, and expanding the EU's military mobility corridors to include Ukraine.
Europe's rearmament plan
As previously reported, the European Commission presented the ReArm Europe plan with a budget of 150 billion euros for the rearmament of Europe. At the summit on March 6, EU leaders discussed and approved this plan.
As European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen explained, the plan provides member states with fiscal space to invest in defense.
Western media noted that France and Germany have different views on the rearmament plan. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz believes that the project should involve other friendly countries, but French President Emmanuel Macron opposes this.
