The Danish EU presidency has reached an agreement with the EU Parliament and the EU Commission on a new defense initiative for the EU.
Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen (V) announced the news in a press release.
“This agreement is a significant milestone in bolstering a competitive and capable European defense industry,” stated Troels Lund Poulsen.
The EU will provide 1.5 billion euros in funding by the end of 2027 to enhance the defense sector through the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP).
This amount is roughly equivalent to 11 billion kroner.
While this funding is modest compared to the extensive rearmament plans discussed at the NATO summit in The Hague, it plays a crucial role in unifying EU nations to boost defense production, according to Troels Lund Poulsen.
“Securing this agreement has been a top priority for Denmark during its presidency to strengthen the European defense industry for Europe’s security,” he added.
The allocated funds will aid member states in developing, producing, procuring, and acquiring defense materials.
This announcement follows the EU Commission’s proposal for a roadmap to Europe’s rearmament by 2030, which is expected to be approved at next week’s EU summit in Brussels.
A key aspect of the proposal is fostering cooperation among EU countries for joint procurement in the defense sector.
Additionally, part of the funds will support defense industrial collaboration with Ukraine, with 2.2 billion kroner designated for this purpose, according to Troels Lund Poulsen.
“Ukraine excels in developing various new technologies, particularly in drone warfare. They have established a remarkable synergy between defense, industry, and research, positioning their technology ahead of Denmark and Europe. There is much to learn from them,” noted Troels Lund Poulsen.
He views the agreement as a significant step toward achieving the EU’s objective of enabling Europe to defend itself by 2030.
This agreement is also considered one of Denmark’s most notable achievements since assuming its EU presidency on July 1.
Denmark has played a leading role in the final stages of the negotiations.
The defense industry program is now set to receive formal approval from EU member states and the European Parliament.
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