.png?width=1200&height=630&rmode=max&scale=both)
The Roadmap aims to translate the White Paper by providing European flagships* for Member States to reach the identified capability gaps** by 2030 and fulfil their NATO targets. It includes a chapter on ramping up the European Defence and Technological Industrial Base (EDTIB).
IndustriAll Europe’s Deputy General Secretary, Isabelle Barthès, said:
“The Roadmap rightfully recognises the decades of underinvestment in the EDTIB, but fails to grasp that this issue cannot be fixed overnight. Throwing endless amounts of money at the issue without conditions for companies, and further accelerating deregulation through the Defence Omnibus, will not solve the problem. On the contrary, such an approach risks excessive deregulation of labour, health and safety, procurement and environmental standards in the defence sector, which will aggravate the situation and increase public and workers’ discontent.
“Strengthening the EDTIB also means reinforcing its value chain, from semiconductors and chemicals to steel. A robust EDTIB requires a vibrant industrial fabric.
“Economic security is equally rooted in social stability. We are extremely concerned that the European Commission is proposing solutions that go against our repeated warnings, like diverting cohesion funding towards defence. If the idea is to move workers from sectors at risk to the defence industry, we should warn against the idea that there is an easy fix to Europe's ongoing deindustrialisation and restructuring crisis. It is unrealistic to think that an increase in defence production will compensate for job cuts in the automotive sector, not to mention the ethical problem this raises.
“We fully agree with the Commission on the need to better understand Europe's current and planned industrial production capacities. However, the proposed industrial defence dimension is disconnected from reality on the ground. We remain open to dialogue, but we are very disappointed with this outcome.”
On the positive side, the Roadmap emphasises the importance of overcoming fragmentation, increasing interoperability and complementarity. Furthermore, it highlights the need to increase defence procurement from within the EU (citing that current levels are still below 50%), as non-European suppliers have gained market share.
The Roadmap sets the objective for joint procurement to converge towards the 35% target and defence investment from the EDTIB to reach the political target of at least 55% of total investment. A key milestone therefore is to organise at least 40% of defence procurement as joint procurement by the end of 2027. Projects, contracts and financing for critical capabilities are to be put in place by the end of 2028. The Commission emphasises Member States’ sovereignty and its role as facilitator and provider of funding opportunities (including regional funds).
“Strengthening Europe’s EDTIB is key to ensure our strategic autonomy and security, but this must be done with respect for Europe’s labour and environmental law, and while also keeping the compass set towards other crucial goals, like social progress, and the twin transition objectives. Limitless investments in defence, while implementing austerity on welfare systems, education, public services and twin transformation will only play into the hands of extremist political forces,” concluded Isabelle Barthès.