Thread by @SteveBakerHW

Debate about where EU defence is heading is surrounded with complexity, jargon, misunderstandings and denial so well done @EUDefenceAgency for setting things out clearly:

eda.europa.eu/what-we-do/our…

"Piece 1: Common priorities (CDP)

"The CDP is the only joint defence capability prioritisation tool at European level covering the whole capability spectrum."

"As the CDP’s architect, EDA has produced regular updates since 2008, in close cooperation with Member States, the EU Military Committee (EUMC) and the EU Military Staff (EUMS)."

Piece 2: Joint monitoring (CARD)

Established by EU Member States in May 2018, CARD introduced a joint monitoring mechanism with three objectives:

- gather information on respective national defence spending plans;
- assess national contributions to the implementation of the CDP

"- look at existing cooperation practices in capability development and operation

"The aim of the annual review is to foster a gradual synchronisation and mutual adaptation of Member States’ national defence planning cycles and capability development practices,"...

..."in the hope this will lead to more systematic defence cooperation in Europe and that Member States will join their efforts in developing and procuring defence assets."

"Piece 3: Binding commitments & joint projects (PESCO)

"PESCO was established in December 2017 by 25 EU Member States ready and willing to fulfil higher criteria, make more ambitious and binding commitments on defence spending and step up defence cooperation in general."

"For the first time ever, Ministries of Defence agreed to engage in collaborative capability development projects, based on binding commitments reflected in National Implementation Plans (NIPs) each participating countries has to submit as part of the monitoring process."

"Piece 4: EU funding as incentive for collaboration (EDF)

"The EDF was launched in 2017 through its precursor programmes (it should be fully operational in 2020) to financially incentivise and support cross-border defence cooperation among companies and between EU countries."

"To that end, it will co-fund collaborative projects in two domains: defence research and capability development. In June 2018, the Commission proposed to allocate €13 billion to the fund for 2021-2027."

"Guardian of coherence

"CDP, CARD, PESCO and EDF are there to provide a coherent EU framework to promote and facilitate collaborative defence capability development in Europe."

"The success of those tools will depend on how coherently they are implemented and how they will reflect on national defence planning.

"EDA is the guardian of coherence among them: [...]"

"Throughout its involvement in the different tools, the Agency’s primary concern is and remains to ensure all collaborative efforts are focused on agreed EU capability priorities and produce tangible output (technologies, equipment) for the benefit of a stronger European defence.

Helpful video explaining EU defence here:



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