EU wants to move Europe's arms industry into 'war economy mode'
(Baonghean.vn) - The European Commission on March 5 will propose ways for the European Union to boost its arms industry, which could lead to a "war economy regime" to respond to Russia amid Moscow's conflict with Kiev.
Thierry Breton, the European commissioner for industry, will put forward proposals to encourage EU countries to jointly buy more weapons from European companies and help these businesses increase their production capacity, according to EU officials.
“We need to change the model and move to a war economy. This also means that the European defense industry must take more risks, with our support,” Mr. Breton said, referring to the proposed package.
Breton, a Frenchman and former tech executive, also said the prospect of Donald Trump, who has questioned Washington's commitment to NATO, winning another term as US president meant Europe had to do more to protect itself, Reuters reported.
“In the current geopolitical context, Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security, regardless of the outcome of the four-yearly elections of our allies,” Breton said.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has prompted many European countries to increase defense spending. However, EU officials say purely national efforts are less effective and want EU agencies to play a bigger role in defense industrial policy.
Analysts say the war made it clear that European industry was ill-prepared for some major challenges, such as the sudden surge in demand for large quantities of artillery shells.
Breton's proposals include creating a European version of the US Foreign Military Sales programme - under which Washington supports other governments in buying from US arms companies.
Another proposal would allow the EU to force European arms companies to prioritise European orders during the crisis.
To be implemented, the proposals would need the approval of the EU's 27 national governments - which are typically reluctant to cede power on defense and military matters - and the European Parliament.
The proposals will also be carefully studied by NATO, which said it welcomed EU efforts to help European defence but warned they must not overlap or conflict with the work of the transatlantic alliance.
