The European Defence manufacture Programme (EDIP) is another EU initiative to strengthen this sector of the Old Continent economy. According to the assumptions of EUR 1.5 billion in grants, it is expected to mark innovative projects, joint European defence procurement and increased sector production, but besides support for Ukraine (EUR 300 million). The programme was designed to service the collective interests of the Union, not individual associate States. This appropriation should be utilized in the next 2 years.
– We are entering very powerfully into joint defence projects. These are loans from SAFE, which Poland is the largest beneficiary of. We are besides entering into a fresh programme called EDIP, the European Defence Investment Programme. Here we have EUR 1.5 billion, which we request to usage very quickly, but not as part of loans, but grants for projects which Poland will prepare in cooperation with the planet of science, improvement and start-ups says Mr Michał Szczerba, associate of the European Parliament from the Civic Coalition.
EDIP is simply a European backing programme that provides for grants to support the defence industry: expanding the production of equipment or building fresh plants. It aims to strengthen the technological and industrial base of the defence sector in the European Union, which is essential to increase European defence capabilities and autonomy in this area. 1 step towards this is to support the joint procurement of associate States and the integration of their industries. The EDIP agreement was reached between Members of the European Parliament and the Danish Presidency of the EU Council in mid-October. To enter into force, it must be approved by Parliament and the Council.
"We in the European Parliament, as a co-legislator, have done everything possible so that our companies, specified as the PGZ, and our products can participate in this programme. We have sought the 65% rule of European components in the full cost of the product and this has workedabout – says Michał Szczerba.
The agreement allows financing of defence products in which the cost of components originating from 3rd countries accounts for a maximum of 35% of the full cost. The programme contains strong European preference criteria, which means that it will only finance projects that strengthen cooperation between associate States and reduce dependence on 3rd countries. EDIP introduces a concept of European Defence Projects of Common Interest. These projects should include at least 4 associate States to qualify for funding. S&D negotiators have ensured that, unlike the SAFE programme adopted earlier this year, EDIP will service the collective safety interests of the Union alternatively than the agendas of individual associate States.
As the Euro MP emphasises, grants from EDIP should strengthen not only the Polish and European defence industries, but besides R & D.
– The European funds we are presently granting, whether under EDIP or another Horizon Europe, where we have projects closely related to improvement and science, are besides a space for our scientists to build their findings based on grants – says the politician. – In Poland we have the public sector, the PGZ, which produces military equipment and various forms of ammunition, but we besides have public-private partnerships, so these entities will be able to interact with the planet of science, but besides with their counterparts in another countries. These projects will be stronger if we have coalitions, a consortium of 2 to 3 associate States and their players.
EUR 300 million from the full pool is expected to scope Ukraine under a peculiar instrument which will let for strengthening bilateral cooperation – on the 1 hand supporting the Ukrainian defence industry, its modernisation and integration with European systems, and on the another hand the usage of the cognition and experience of the east neighbour from the front, in peculiar in the defence of drones.
Euro MPs announce that EUR 1.5 billion of grants is only the beginning, as the programme can be supplemented by additional funds. The experience of its implementation is intended to aid form future initiatives and ways of organising European cooperation in defence production after 2027.
– We have until the end of 2027, so these projects should be ready now, discussed, first agreements between consortia should be prepared. I'm certain that's what happens. – emphasises Michał Szczerba.
