The EU plans to minimize purchases of military goods from outside the EU by 2035 to ensure that 30% to 50% of the EU defense market’s trade is conducted within the Union. Mechanisms will also be developed to provide critical supplies that can be immediately increased during a shortage or crisis.
In addition, it is planned to expand industry access to EU funding programs and establish new partnerships in defense. This goal is part of the EU’s European Defense Industrial Strategy, which includes joint investments, measures to secure critical supplies, and changes to the lending policy of the EIB. According to the strategy, the EU should mass-produce weapons and military equipment such as ammunition and drones.
Europe must also protect its access to sea, air, cyberspace, and space. The EC also proposes the creation of several new organizational bodies that will be responsible for the implementation of the defense strategy.