The first-ever European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS) at EU level was presented by the European Commission on 5 March. To the surprise of many, the new strategy envisions close involvement of Ukraine in the strategy’s programmes. Among the many measures proposed to Member States to achieve the goals set until 2030, the following proposal can be found:
’The EDIS proposes a set of measures aimed at (…) developing closer ties with Ukraine through its participation in Union initiatives in support of defence industry and stimulating cooperation between the EU and Ukrainian defence industries.’
A key element of the strategy is the need for adaptation of the European defence industry to the new security context. According to the document, the main reasons for the adoption of this strategy are the military threat from Russia and the dependence of EU Member States on the weapons sold by third countries.
The strategy outlines the challenges currently faced by the European defence sectors and identifies opportunities for fully leveraging its potential, setting the direction for development over the next decade. The document establishes a clear, long-term vision for achieving defence-industrial readiness in the EU.
As noted above, separate paragraph in the document mentions Ukraine. It is emphasised that deepening cooperation with the Ukrainian defence complex will become part of the EU’s security obligations to Ukraine. In particular, Ukraine will be able to participate in joint purchases of EU weapons, and its defence industry will be able to receive financial support from the EU’s defence programmes (EDIP).
To strengthen cooperation, the EU-Ukraine Defence Industry Forum will be held in 2024.
In the context of the new strategy, the EU is discussing creating a separate position for a European Commissioner for defence issues.
What does all this mean, apart from the fact, that the EU eventually may shoot itself in the foot by entering into a partnership with Ukraine in a critical field such as defence?
Some Western European arms manufacturers could make big profits in the future.
Ukraine, and its defence sector in particular, will receive significant funds that could be used to pay corrupt officials in ministries, meaning that the daily bribes in Ukraine will be paid from the money of the EU Member States.
With closer cooperation between the European and Ukrainian defence sectors, the war in Ukraine will continue, claiming further hundreds of thousands of lives.
Given the closer defence cooperation, it will likely be easier for the Ukrainian leadership to implement its plans to bring its citizens back to Ukraine as soon as possible to replace Ukrainian soldiers who have been serving on the front line for a long time.
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