Von der Leyen: EU must learn from Ukraine how to boost defense industry

To effectively counter modern security challenges, Europe must strengthen its own defense industry. One of the key elements of these efforts should be the exchange of experience with Ukraine’s defense sector.

This was stated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at a press conference in Brussels, following an informal meeting of EU leaders dedicated to strengthening European defense, CE Report quotes Ukrinform.

“The fourth element we discussed was that we need to foster defense innovation, including through increased cooperation with the Ukrainian defense industry. It is amazing to see how fast the Ukrainian industry has been built up, for example with cheaper, faster and more intelligent drones. So our defense industry can learn a lot from the Ukrainian defense industry that has the experience of the battlefield every single day,” she said.

Von der Leyen stated that Europe faces real and increasing threats, including Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, cyberattacks, attacks on critical infrastructure.

“We must prepare and respond together, as Europeans. We must be stronger in defence. Europe needs basically a surge in defense. And for that our defence industrial base must be strengthened,” the European Commission President emphasized.

To achieve this goal, she stressed that the EU must increase defense spending beyond the current 2% of GDP benchmark.

“For so for many years, we have underinvested in defense. There is thus a great urgency to increase the defense spending with a big magnitude. For this, we first of all need more public funding. I am willing to explore and will use the full range of flexibilities we have in the new Stability and Growth Pact to allow for a significant increase in defense spending,” she stated.

Another key financing tool is the European Investment Bank’s flexible lending policy, which supports flagship defense projects. Private investment and engagement with the banking sector will also play an important role.

The President of the European Commission emphasized that, in addition to efforts to increase spending, EU countries must strengthen coordination among themselves on defense issues. This can be achieved through the coordination of joint defense procurement and efforts to ensure interoperability of armed forces. Such work will help reduce the costs of military equipment production and scale up the related opportunities and advantages.

Another important element in strengthening the EU defense capabilities, the head of the European Commission stressed, is simplifying regulatory rules. In particular, this concerns public procurement legislation, which should provide for accelerated and simplified decision-making procedures.

“And finally, what was very important for all of us in the discussion was: If we spend billions and billions of taxpayers' money, we need return on investment in the form of increased know-how and good jobs here in Europe. As said, the Commission will present a White Paper on the Future of European Defense by March. Starting with our discussions today, with the White Paper, there will be a basis for Member States to take the necessary decisions in June,” von der Leyen concluded