Discussions about a joint European military force have flared up over the past year amid tensions with the EU's key strategic ally, the US. Although a European army still remains a mere concept, the EU is set to commit billions for military cooperation and a European Defence Fund (EDF).
European Commissioner for the Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs Elżbieta Bieńkowska has welcomed the European Parliament's decision to endorse creating a European Defence Fund (EDF).
“More defence cooperation in Europe is essential to address the growing global instabilities and cross-border threats to our security. It is clear that no country can do this alone. The endorsement of the European Defence Fund will allow us to significantly step up our defence cooperation”, she said in a statement.
According to the EU official, the Fund is poised to encourage “joint investments and technological innovation in the defence sector”, helping “to spend taxpayer money more efficiently and ensure Europe can benefit from the best interoperable defence technology and equipment”.
European legislators endorsed funding the EDF with 328 lawmakers voting for and 231 against during their recent session. They recommended allocating €13 billion for the cause within 7 years; however, the final sum should be agreed amid discussions on the EU's long-term budget for 2021-2027. The funding will be committed to developing “cutting-edge” military…
