EDIP, green light for the first program to strengthen the European defense industry: increased production capacity, joint procurement, and support for Ukraine.

The European Union takes a historic step towards building true strategic autonomy in the defense sector. With the final approval of the European Defence Industrial Programme (EDIP), approved by Parliament with a large majority, Brussels equips itself for the first time with a structured, long-term instrument to consolidate industrial capacity, support joint procurement and strengthen the continent's resilience in the face of new geopolitical challenges.

The vote comes against a backdrop of the war in Ukraine and international tensions that have exposed the fragility of European supply chains. EDIP aims to bridge that gap by promoting closer cooperation between Member States, industry, and EU institutions.

A 1,5 billion program, of which 300 million for Ukraine

The EDIP program has 1,5 billion euros until 2027, with a significant portion — 300 million — intended for one specific instrument of support for Ukraine, useful for modernizing its defense industry and progressively integrating it with the European one.

Alongside EDIP, a new project will also be born FAST, the new European fund dedicated to accelerating the transformation of defense supply chains. The fund will be allocated at least 150 million euros, thanks to additional contributions from SAFE, the European instrument for supporting safety.

Buy European: European defense built in Europe

One of the most significant points of the measure is the introduction of the principle “Buy European”To access European funding:

• at least 65% of the value of the components must be produced within the EU,
• no more than 35% may come from non-associated third countries.

A choice aimed at reducing external dependencies—often critical—that over the years have put the response capacity and security of member states at risk.

Parliament has defined EDIP as a tool capable of reversing a historic trend—that of arms imports—and at the same time stimulating European industry, which today comprises thousands of companies, from large multinationals to highly innovative SMEs.

Joint procurement and joint projects: at least four countries involved

The programme introduces a regulatory framework for the launch of European projects of common interest in the defence sectorTo be admitted:

• will have to involve at least four EU countries,
• also Ukraine will be able to participate, further strengthening the link with the European industrial system.

Member States will also be able to use the unspent resources of the PNRR, reallocating them to EDIP projects: an innovation that opens the doors to additional investments without affecting national budgets.

Statements from the protagonists: "A turning point for Europe"

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (Renew, Germany)

President of the Security and Defense Committee

"This is an important step towards a truly European approach to defense. EDIP will have a lasting impact and guide future decisions beyond 2027."

François-Xavier Bellamy (EPP, France)

ITRE Co-rapporteur

“After decades of risky dependencies, EDIP will reduce our vulnerability and allow Europe to independently secure the supply of its armed forces.”

Raphaël Glucksmann (S&D, France)

Co-speaker SEDE

"It is the first truly European defense instrument. It serves to build a more resilient, more sovereign Europe, capable of protecting its democracies."

A 70 billion industry that wants to become autonomous

The European defence industry generates an estimated annual turnover of 70 billion euros, with companies large and small at the center of technological innovation. However, for years Europe has purchased most of its weapons systems from third countries, diminishing internal competitiveness and increasing external dependence.

EDIP aims to reverse this dynamic through:

• joint investments,
• development of strategic production capabilities,
• support for research and innovation,
• more robust supply chains,
• integration of Ukrainian industry.

The next steps

The regulation will now need to be formally approved by the Council of the EU before being published in the Official Journal, a necessary condition for its entry into force.

If implemented effectively, EDIP could become the cornerstone of a new European defence model: more coordinated, more autonomous and better able to address an increasingly volatile global environment.