The EU will conduct joint defense purchases and include Ukraine.

On Tuesday, MEPs supported a decision to strengthen the European defense industry through general procurement (EDIRPA). The new regulation establishes a temporary instrument that will be valid until December 31, 2025, and will allow the countries of the EU to close the most urgent and critical defense needs that have risen through the transfer of military aid to Ukraine.

In June, the European Parliament and the Council of the EU agreed to allocate €300M to finance this instrument. To carry out joint purchases it will be necessary to form a consortium of at least three countries and order weapons from EU or associated companies. The EU’s financial contribution to each purchase will be 15%, but it can be increased to 20% if the weapons are purchased for Ukraine or Moldova or the order is intended for small and medium-sized businesses.

The Council of the EU must approve the law before it enters into effect.