Crucial elements of the new EU policy include favoring weapons production within the bloc and “like-minded third-country companies,” encouraging joint purchases of arms, making it easier to finance defense projects, focusing on key areas where the bloc has a capacity shortfall like air defense and military mobility, and slashing red tape on defense investments.
Russia’s actions are the driving force behind the new policy.
“Russia is an existential threat to the Union and given its past record of invading its neighbours and its current expansionist policies, the need to deter from Russian armed aggression will remain even after a just and lasting peace agreement with Ukraine,” the draft says.
The immediate priority is to ensure that Ukraine can continue fending off Russian attacks.
“Without significant additional military resources, particularly now that the US has suspended its support, Ukraine would not be able to negotiate a just and lasting peace from a position of strength,” the paper says.
The shift in U.S. policy toward Ukraine, Europe and NATO is noted throughout the 20-page document, which states: “Europe cannot take the US security guarantee for granted and must substantially step up its contribution to preserve NATO.”