The European Parliament approved First European Defense Industrial Program (EDIP) With a majority of 457 votes in favour, according to the official note published by the European Parliament on its institutional portal, the European Parliament. The new instrument mobilizes 1.5 billion euros and replaces contingency plans that were activated between 2023 and 2025.
For Brussels, EDIP represents the leap from improvisation to structural planning. The standard strengthens the continental technological base, encourages local manufacturing and reserves $300 million for countries around the world Ukraine support tool. In addition, it creates a FAST mechanism to transform supply chains for a minimum of 150 million more.
Why is EDIP changing the European military industry?
For the first time, the European Union introduces a strict criterion: only alliances that include at least… Four member statesCommitment to reducing fragmentation and enforcing economies of scale. The turnover of the European sector – which includes 2,000 small and medium-sized companies and large groups such as Airbus Defense and Space, Rheinmetall, or Leonardo – amounts to about $70 billion annually.
EDIP tactical sheet
| Parameter | He deserves |
|---|---|
| Total budget | 1.5 billion euros (300 million for Ukraine) |
| Minimum requirements | Participation of 4 member states |
| Limit external components | 35% of the total cost |
| Additional mechanism | Fast: Up to 150 million for supply chains |
The hidden truth appears in Article 12 of the draft: the European Union will allow the redirection of funds from… MRR It has not been implemented towards EDIPs, a move that community diplomats consider “essential for the program not to fail,” according to an indirect assessment in an EDIP report. European Parliament Research Service (European CRS, 2024).
Strategic transformation: from ASAP and EDIRPA to a permanent structure
- EDIP closes the phase of ASAP (ammunition) and EDIRPA (joint procurement), both designed for post-2022 shock responses.
In words attributed to employees US Department of Defense in 2023As the Pentagon review put it, “European industry has suffered from erratic investment cycles,” which Brussels is seeking to correct through multi-year commitments. German Mary Agnes Strack Zimmermann defines it as “a tool designed to have a lasting effect.”
Implications for Spain, France and the European supply chain
The “Buy Europe” principle will limit the entry of suppliers from unrelated third countries. Frenchman François-Xavier Bellamy stressed that after “decades of dangerous dependencies,” the infrastructure development and investment project will reduce structural vulnerability and favor industrial independence. For Spain, this measure could accelerate the repositioning of Airbus Albacete and Navantia helicopters into combat systems.
Ukraine’s participation offers an additional angle: the integration of its manufacturers into European projects with joint financing. Raphael Glucksmann has described it as a movement “essential for building a more resilient and sovereign Europe.” The political closure will come when the regulation is ratified by member states and published in the Official Gazette.