EU approves first-ever funding for joint weapons, ammo procurement

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Margrethe Vestager, the Executive Vice-President of the Commission, announced a new initiative where EU budget funds will be used for the first time to support member states in jointly procuring defense products. She highlighted that this approach will enhance the value for money of national defense budgets and improve the interoperability of European armed forces. Additionally, this initiative aims to strengthen the European defense industry and enhance Europe’s preparedness against defense threats. The Commission has approved funding for nine countries, including France, Spain, Hungary, and Romania, for the joint procurement of MBDA’s Mistral very short-range air defense systems. Additionally, six member states, such as Germany and Bulgaria, will receive financial support for their collective purchase of Diehl’s IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defense system.

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