Renew Europe welcomes the conclusion of negotiations on between the Parliament and the Council on the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), marking a turning point for Europe's and Ukraine defence at a critical moment for European rearmament.
Throughout negotiations, the European Parliament and Renew Europe have been instrumental in this important European legislative instrument. EDIP will help Member States to jointly procure defence products, and support European industries, to replenish theirs stock and be ready for wartime.
Renew Europe has fought for a simple, efficient and coherent legislation, where European funding benefits primarily European defence companies through robust eligibility criteria : The agreement establishes clear rules requiring companies to own full Design authority over products. This ensures European taxpayers' money strengthens European industrial capacity.
EDIP will contribute to operationalizing the mutual assistance clause of the TUE (Article 42.7). It introduces it as a criteria to take swift actions in response to a supply crisis of defence products.
Renew welcomes the creation of a dedicated financial instrument for Ukraine, as a first step to integrate Ukraine Defense industrial base into the EU Defense industrial base, as well as particular provisions fort member States most threatened by Russian aggression.
Nathalie Loiseau (Horizons, France) Renew Europe coordinator for the committee on Security and Defence, stated:
EDIP is an additional contribution to the building of a European Defense Union. It supports our joint efforts to rearm and assist Ukraine. It includes a clear commitment to a European preference, which is key to our strategic autonomy.
Nathalie LoiseauRenew Europe MEP, France, Horizons
Ivars Ijabs (For Latvia’s Development, Latvia), shadow rapporteur for committee on Industry, Research & Energy added:
The European Defence Industry Programme is a strategic imperative, not an option. In an era of relentless geopolitical uncertainty, EDIP secures our collective defence through a robust European supply chain. It is the critical catalyst that transforms ambition into tangible, future-ready defence capabilities.
Ivars IjabsRenew Europe MEP, Latvia, Latvijas attīstībai