Politico: The EU intends to continue its policy of deterring Moscow even after peace is established in Ukraine
The EU aims to launch a massive project to build up its defense industry aimed at deterring Russia and supporting Ukraine while the U.S. pulls backs from the continent, according to a draft of the so-called White Paper on defense, Politico writes.
The paper, prepared by EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius and the EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas, is due to be presented next week to EU leaders. “Rebuilding European defense requires a massive investment over a sustained period,” the draft says.
Crucial elements of the new EU policy include favoring weapons production within the bloc and “like-minded third-country companies,” encouraging joint purchases of arms, making it easier to finance defense projects. Thus, rebuilding the EU’s military-industrial complex means the bloc “should consider introducing European preference into public procurement for strategic defense-linked sectors and technologies.”
The draft also underlines the need for “collaborative procurement” as a way of tackling the bloc’s fragmented defense market and giving countries the financial firepower to strike advantageous deals. The European Commission “could also act as a central purchasing body on their behalf.” The paper sketches out seven key areas for priority investments: air and missile defense; artillery systems; ammunition and missiles; drones and counter-drone systems; military mobility; AI, quantum, cyber and electronic warfare; and strategic enablers, combat capabilities and critical infrastructure protection. According to the draft, Russia “is an existential threat” to the EU, and it intends to continue its policy of deterring Moscow even after peace is established in Ukraine. The immediate priority is to keep supporting Kyiv. “Without significant additional military resources, particularly now that the US has suspended its support, Ukraine would not be able to negotiate a just and lasting peace from a position of strength,” the paper says.
