EU to adopt first military-industrial strategy under new European Commission

The new European Commission plans to adopt the EU's first-ever military-industrial strategy within its first 100 days in office, announced Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. 

Presenting the Commission's program at a European Parliament session, von der Leyen outlined her administration's priorities as Parliament prepared to approve the new slate of European commissioners, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media sources.

"We will adopt the EU White Paper on Defence in the first 100 days of our work," von der Leyen declared.

She revealed that Lithuanian Andrius Kubilius had been appointed to the newly created position of European Defence Commissioner. In this role, Kubilius will spearhead efforts to establish a unified EU military market, integrate the military-industrial complex, advance joint military projects, and enhance "military mobility." This includes bolstering the EU transport network to ensure the rapid movement of troops and heavy weaponry to the bloc’s eastern borders in the event of a conflict.

Von der Leyen reiterated the EU’s continued support for Ukraine, emphasizing its path toward EU membership. She also referred to upcoming "EU reforms" needed to accommodate new member states but did not provide specifics.

On November 14, the European Commission launched the EU’s first joint military procurement program, involving multiple member states. The program targets five key areas, including air defence systems, armoured vehicles, and ammunition. Some of the procured equipment will be allocated to support Ukraine. To fund the initiative, the EU has allocated an additional €300 million from its budget.

The initiative, titled "Strengthening the European Defence Industry through a Common Procurement Law," aims to replenish stockpiles in EU countries that have supplied military aid to Ukraine. Member states can partially recover costs for joint procurements if they involve at least two other EU countries.

A European Commission press release highlighted the program’s broader benefits, stating that "the clearer perspectives and predictability accompanying large contracts will strengthen European industry and allow it to adapt its production capacity to defence needs." On average, six member states are participating in each procurement project.

Ursula von der Leyen, who was reappointed as Commission President in June 2024, had previously vowed to transform the EU into a "true defence union." Her reappointment was confirmed by the European Parliament during a plenary session in Strasbourg.

The European Parliament approved the composition of the new European Commission on November 20. Commissioners from the European People’s Party, led by von der Leyen, secured 14 of the 26 seats. For the first time since 1999, no country’s nominees were rejected, a development some observers criticized as a "step backwards for Parliament."

Additionally, the appointment process for six deputy presidents and Hungary's European commissioner sparked debate and led to a temporary stalemate.

In September, von der Leyen confirmed former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas as the new EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Kallas will assume the role on December 1, succeeding Josep Borrell.

By Tamilla Hasanova