EU proposes collective weapon purchases to counter Washington's policies

Brussels has proposed a plan for the EU to collectively purchase weapons on behalf of its member states, marking a significant shift in decision-making power in response to Donald Trump’s policies.

“At the request of member states, the Commission could act as a central purchasing body [for weapons] on their behalf,” the European Commission stated in a defence policy paper exclusively obtained by the Financial Times.

The document, set for release next week, emphasizes that “demand aggregation through collaborative procurement is the most cost-effective way to rebuild European defence.” It further highlights that joint defence procurement offers substantial advantages for both EU member states and the defence industry.

The 27 EU member states gathered to revise a European Commission proposal for a new loan plan worth 150 billion euros only last week, as Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a call to purchase military equipment made in Europe under the new loan program. It is meant to help the continent provide for its own security as the bloc is hastily formulating a new defence policy and revising it's security architecture in light of shifting transatlantic defense relations. The plan also aims to reduce reliance on US suppliers, who are providing the majority of weaponry currently used within the EU.

By Nazrin Sadigova