European Parliament backs stronger EU defence industry support

The European Parliament backed a measure to strengthen the EU defence industry and support dual-use infrastructure by adapting existing EU programmes.

The measure passed with 519 votes in favour and 119 against, CE Report quotes HINA.

It changes rules for programmes such as Digital Europe, Horizon and the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), making them available for defence and dual-use projects.

Rapporteur Rihard Kols said the move allows member states to allocate funds to defence without increasing budgets and sets a precedent for EU support of the sector. Unspent cohesion funds, for instance, can now be redirected to defence and dual-use infrastructure.

Digital Europe will fund projects countering hybrid threats and boosting cyber resilience, Horizon will include civil projects with potential military use, and Ukraine will join the European Defence Fund. The CEF will also cover military mobility projects.

Kols added that the measure uses existing EU programmes more strategically rather than increasing budgets, providing the tools for defence while stressing the need for effective implementation.

As reported by CE Report, Eurozone industrial production shows stronger monthly growth.

foto ANNA SZILAGYI