Reinforcing EU defence through joint purchases
Russia’s war against Ukraine shows the EU must strengthen its defence capabilities. Joint purchases of military equipment play an important role.
The European defence market is very fragmented, partly because each EU country has been responsible for its own defence. The war in Ukraine and the changing geopolitical situation require a new approach.
To develop the EU defence industry in a cost-efficient way, the EU is encouraging the joint purchase (also known as procurement) of defence equipment by member states.
Joint purchases under the European Defence Industry Programme
In November 2025 Parliament approved the European Defence Industry Programme. With an allocated budget of €1.5 billion for 2025-2027, the regulation will boost EU defence industry and foster more joint European defence procurement.
The programme will support defence projects that involve at least three countries - two out of these countries should come from the EU. Ukraine and other partner countries can also participate.
At least 65% of the end products’ components must originate in the EU or an associated country.
Defence spending after 2027
The European Parliament has highlighted the need for a significant boost to defence infrastructure, capabilities and readiness in the future.
In its resolution on the EU’s next long-term budget after 2027, MEPs quote a Commission estimate that Europe should invest €500 billion more in defence over the next decade. The EU budget alone cannot fill the gap, but has an important role to play, MEPs noted.
Earlier EU initiatives in support of the defence industry
The EU adopted two acts in 2023 to boost the European defence industrial and technological base and foster cooperation on defence procurement:
- the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP): Parliament approved plans to provide financing of €500 million to help EU industry ramp up its capacity in ammunition production. The goal was to increase deliveries to Ukraine and help EU countries refill their stocks;
- the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through the common Procurement Act(EDIRPA): Its purpose was to support EU countries in jointly purchasing defence products such as weapon systems, ammunition and medical equipment, to help fill the most urgent and critical gaps. The budget available for joint purchases was €300 million until 31 December 2025. At least three countries had to be involved. The instrument was also available to countries that are part of the European Economic Area: Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
Ukraine’s participation in EU defence projects
Ukraine is an important partner for the EU on defence matters not only because the EU supports its fight against Russia’s unprovoked military aggression but also because it has developed valuable expertise in modern warfare.
Ukraine was able to participate in joint defence purchases under EDIRPA and this continues under the European Defence Industry Programme. As part of EDIP, the EU allocates €300 mln to modernise the Ukrainian defence industry and support its integration with the European defence industry.
