As members of the Eurodefense Joven España[1], we’re contributing to the Eurodefense Network with a few articles that matter to the youth.
EDJE is a non-profit association with the aim of reinforcing the culture of security and defense among the youngest people in Europe.
Since Russia’s full-scale attack on Ukraine two years ago, the EU has reentered towards strengthening its defense capabilities and cooperation. The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell presented a Strategic Compass for Security and Defense to the EU that protects its citizens, values, and interests to contribute to international peace and security[2].
This year Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, also announced to put forward a strategy for the European defense industry, designed to strengthen military production and arms supply[3]. This discussion came after the comments made by Donald Trump suggesting that the US might disregard NATO’s article 5 collective defense clause. The current President of the EC wants the EU ahead to move towards an autonomous and self-reliant industrial European Defense Industrial strategy.
When we are looking at to the latest Eurobarometer prior to the European Elections, held between the 6 – 9 June of 2024, European citizens place it as third concern of importance of the EU defense and security which has been increased over the course of the parliamentary term and particularly since the Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
Moreover, when the European citizens are asked about the EU in the world, EU citizens put defense and security (37%) as first priorities in reinforcing the EU’s position globally, energy issues and food security/agriculture follow (both on 30%). While four in ten citizens say the role of the EU has become more important over the past years, 35% think it has stayed the same and 22% that it has diminished[4].
Because of the latest Eurobarometer, the EU leaders have laid out its plan in a 27-page draft of a European Defence Industry Strategy. EU defense spending reached a record 270 billion euros ($295 billion) in 2023, yet significant capability gaps remain. Defense economists and planners have long advocated for European governments and defense companies to cooperate more. In theory, cooperation offers economic benefits such as reduced equipment duplication, increased production, and lower costs. In practice, national interests and protectionism, coupled with operational and bureaucratic inefficiencies, have historically impeded effective collaboration.
Between 2021 and 2022, only 18 percent of the total equipment investment in Europe was collaborative[5]. The EU’s treaties prevent the use of its funds for military expenditure. However, Europe’s defense industries fall under the EC’s domain. Still NATO remains the main pillar and foundation of security for the Western democracies. The idea is to reorganize the industrial program throughout the sector.
In conclusion, EDJE fully supports the new european political wave aiming to reinforce the european industrial policy through the existing pillars such as the European Defense Agency and the European Competition Agency.
Wrote by:
Amine Lejarza Essalhi (President of Eurodefense Joven España)
Amín Lejarza (President Eurodefense Joven España) has a degree in Law and International Relations from the ULg (Université de Liège) and a degree in Political Science and Public Management from the URJC (Rey Juan Carlos University). His areas of interest are: geopolitics, international security and diplomacy. His professional career is linked to public affairs and parallel diplomacy working on the development of public policies linked to the world of security and defense. In addition, he is a collaborator in various Think Tanks and Media.
Javier Sánchez González (Secretary General of Eurodefense Joven España)
Javier Sánchez has a degree in Communication Sciences from UCAM (Catholic University of Murcia) and a master’s degree in International Relations: Economics, Politics and Law from ICAI-ICADE (Pontifical University of Comillas). His areas of interest are: European politics, data analysis, cybersecurity and the management of international projects in the digital field. His professional career, closely linked to the field of interest, has developed in different countries around the world: the United States, Singapore, France, Spain and currently in Belgium. Throughout this, the common factor is leadership and project management for business development
[1] https://www.eurodefensejoven.com/
[2] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/strategic_compass_en3_web.pdf
[3] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2024/759601/EPRS_BRI(2024)759601_EN.pdf
[4] https://europa.eu/eurobarometer/surveys/detail/3272
[5] https://carnegieendowment.org/posts/2024/03/understanding-the-eus-new-defense-industrial-strategy?lang=en
European Defence and Youth Vision
