On 19 March, the European Commission presented the White Paper for European Defence. The document outlines a new approach to strengthening EU defence through joint defence procurement and industrial development, and identifies investment needs.
Presenting the White Paper, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Europe should take a proactive approach to security. "We must buy more European. Because that means strengthening the European defence technological and industrial base. That means stimulating innovation. And that means creating an EU-wide market for defence equipment," she said.
According to the White Paper, the key areas for investment are:
- air and missile defence;
- artillery systems;
- ammunitions and missiles;
- drones and counter drones systems;
- military mobility;
- AI, Quantum, Cyber and Electronic warfare;
- strategic enablers.
In general, the document provides for a rapid response to Ukraine's needs in the war against Russia and measures to strengthen the EU's collective security in the short and long term:
- addressing critical gaps in defence capabilities;
- urgent replenishment of ammunition, weapons and military equipment;
- support for the European defence industry;
- increased joint procurement;
- development and simplified regulation of the EU-wide defence market;
- strengthening partnership with like-minded countries around the world.
The White Paper identifies support for Ukraine, which is currently 'at the forefront of European defence', as the most urgent task. First and foremost, this means military assistance: provision of ammunition, air defence equipment, UAVs; training for the Ukrainian military; direct support for the Ukrainian defence industry; and increased access to EU space services. It is also about the integration of Ukrainian and EU defence industries and Ukraine's accession to European initiatives aimed at developing defence capabilities.