VDL: ReArm Europe could be foundation for a European defence union
The unanimous support this week for the ReArm Europe, an 800 billion euro defence package, could be the foundation for a European defence union, European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen said on March 9.
Von der Leyen was speaking on the occasion of the coming 100th day on March 11 of the 2024-2029 EC that she heads.
“We will drive the ReArm Europe plan forward with full force,” Von der Leyen said.
“The idea behind it is: We must unleash the full potential in the face of concrete threats. And if we can team up with other like-minded countries, such as the UK, Norway or Canada, the potential is even greater.”
Von der Leyen said that it was important to state that economic strength and Europe’s plan to ReArm are two sides of the same coin.
“Europe’s economic and innovative potential is an asset for its security.
“Vice versa, Europe’s defence efforts can give a massive boost to a more competitive Single Market in the mid and long term,” she said.
The upcoming huge investments in Europe’s next generation of military equipment and security infrastructure can trigger a powerful tailwind for important industries, Von der Leyen said.
“Just think of the fast-tracking of the digitalisation, and modernisation of our transport networks. Think of AI applications, quantum computing, secure communication. Think of key technologies like satellite networks, autonomous vehicles and robotics.
“All of this is on one hand important for Europe’s defence but equally important for Europe’s competitiveness. SMEs across our Union – we have 2500 of them in the defence supply chain – will be at the heart of this transformation,” she said.
“To be successful, we also need to speed up and involve more private investors,” Von der Leyen said.
“We will launch new omnibus packages to further simplify rules and cut red tape – including in the defence sector. And still this month, we will unveil the European Savings and Investments Union – because only an effective, deep and liquid capital market can turn savings into much needed investments.”
In today’s world, maintaining Europe as an economic powerhouse is also a matter of collective security, Von der Leyen said.
(Photo: EC Audiovisual Service)
