EU Parliament adopts law on joint defense procurement, which will also benefit Ukraine

The European Parliament on Tuesday supported the law on strengthening the European defense industry through joint procurement (EDIRPA). 530 MEPs voted in favor, while 66 voted against it.

The new regulation establishes a temporary instrument that will be in effect until December 31, 2025 and will allow the countries of the European Union to meet the most urgent and critical defense needs that arose as a result of the transfer of military aid to Ukraine.

In June, the European Parliament and the Council of the EU agreed on the allocation of 300 million euros to finance this instrument.

To carry out joint purchases, a consortium of at least three countries will have to be formed, which will then order weapons from companies from the European Union or associated countries.

The financial contribution of the European Union 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 law must be approved by the Council of the European Union before it enters into force.

In the spring of 2023, the European Union decided to spend 1 billion euros on joint purchases of ammunition for Ukraine and replenishing its own stocks.