Eurean industry can learn from Ukrainian defense industry – Ursula von der Leyen

This was stated by Eurean Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at a press conference in Brussels, flowing an informal meeting of EU leaders dedicated to strengthening Eurean defense, as reported by Ukrinform.

“The fourth element we discussed was that we need to foster defense innovation, including through increased coeration 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 Eure 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 Eureans. We must be stronger in defence. Eure needs basically a surge in defense. And for that our defence industrial base must be strengthened,” the Eurean 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.

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Another key financing to is the Eurean Investment Bank’s flexible lending picy, which supports flagship defense projects. Private investment and engagement with the banking sector will also play an important re.

The President of the Eurean 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 intererability of armed forces. Such work will help reduce the costs of military equipment production and scale up the related portunities and advantages.

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

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“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 Eure. As said, the Commission will present a White Paper on the Future of Eurean 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.

As reported by Ukrinform, an informal EU leaders' summit was held in Brussels to discuss strengthening Eurean security and defense.