FT: Berlin proposes joint arms projects to strengthen EU eastern flank

Germany has signalled its willingness to take a leading role in the European Union’s rearmament efforts, presenting itself as the main driver for joint arms projects in response to growing security concerns from Russia.

Brussels is preparing a roadmap to strengthen the EU’s defence capabilities by 2030, which is scheduled to be presented to EU leaders at their meeting in October.

According to a leaked policy paper obtained by the Financial Times, Berlin has submitted its recommendations, proposing the creation of “collective capability coalitions.” These coalitions would consist of groups of EU member states working together to develop and procure weapon systems in priority areas, such as air defence. “Germany stands ready to assume a leading role,” the paper states.

The recommendations emphasise that most joint projects should address threats from the east. “Given the persistent threat posed by Russia to the security of the EU, the projects should primarily focus on the protection of the eastern flank,” the document reads.

Berlin also calls for an expanded role for the European Defence Agency, designating it as a “central matchmaking and co-ordination platform for European procurement needs.” The paper urges EU governments to provide the agency with the necessary data to map capability gaps across member states.

Through joint procurement, the document suggests, EU countries could pool their market power and harmonise standards across national armaments. Importantly, “the projects should be open for Ukraine and for eligible third countries,” a direct counterpoint to France’s push for European preference in defence procurement.

The paper also calls for deregulation in arms manufacturing, including easing state aid and competition rules. “Deregulation is all the more important since member states must be able in the future to massively and swiftly ramp up their defence production in a state of defence,” it notes.

On financing, Berlin rejects proposals from southern EU countries to fund the initiatives through a new common EU debt. Instead, Germany recommends using the existing €150 billion defence loan scheme, a separate €1.5 billion subsidy programme currently under negotiation, and national budgets.

By Tamilla Hasanova