Europe must become more independent in defence. Most people agree on this – and so do I. For years, we have therefore been putting forward concrete ideas at the European level on how to achieve this goal. This week we took another step in that direction: a report on flagship projects designed to close Europe’s key capability gaps, which I negotiated as shadow rapporteur for the Greens/EFA.
Unfortunately, ambitious ideas often run into hesitation from member states and their attachment to national privileges. It is time for heads of government to turn their words into action which I reminded them of in my plenary speech this week.
My Speech:
The report on Flagship European Defence Projects of Common Interest (EDPCIs) shows how so-called flagship projects can strengthen European security – for example by building a European drone defence system, reinforcing the eastern border, or developing joint European air defence.
As Greens/EFA, we support closer European cooperation in defence and see the flagship projects as an opportunity to take a major step forward. The report includes many elements that are central to our Green position on defence policy, for example:
- Emphasising the importance of joint procurement for European defence.
- Recognising Ukraine as Europe’s first line of defence and an integral part of the European security and defence architecture – which is why it should be included in these projects.
- Establishing clear objectives, timelines and milestones, as well as defining the financing, governance, technological scope and scale of the individual flagship projects.
- Stressing the ethical and responsible use of AI systems in full compliance with international humanitarian law.
- Integrating cyberspace and digital technologies into the EU’s core defence priorities.
- Ensuring a strong role for small and medium-sized enterprises to strengthen supply chains and Europe’s strategic independence.
- Emphasising the role of the European Parliament in overseeing funding and the implementation of the projects.
- Calling for consistent and sustained financing of these projects.
