Prevalence of a pervasive small-state mindset observed
In a significant interview, Michael Gahler, a CDU Member of the European Parliament, emphasized the importance of a robust defense industry for European defense capability. The transatlantic relationship with the USA, under President Trump, has shifted towards a focus on national interests and good deals, leading to potential future friction.
Gahler highlighted the need for Europe to become more independent in defense due to uncertainty about the protection of the Americans in a potential conflict with China. He suggested that a European-oriented defense industry is necessary, with companies encouraged to think more European and create cross-border cooperation with cross-border value chains.
The European Defense Industry Programme (EDIP), currently the smallest among the planned measures with an allocated 1.5 billion euros, is a step in the right direction. Gahler advocates for the implementation of the single market for defense that has existed formally since 2011. He believes that joint procurement creates economies of scale, saves taxpayers' money, and strengthens the ability of armed forces to operate together.
Compatible systems, standardized spare parts, and joint ammunition would be of great advantage in a potential defense scenario. Gahler emphasized that the instruments created so far at the European level are fundamentally very effective if used purposefully and coordinated. However, he expressed skepticism about the obstacles to developing a single market for defense, citing a widespread mentality of small-state thinking, prioritizing national, industrial political considerations over joint defense capability.
Gahler pointed out deficits due to a lack of joint planning, the translation of the European Capability Development Plan into national plans, and close integration between the cooperations of member states within the EU framework and the instruments of the EU Commission. He also highlighted the issue of member states using an exception rule for procurements, which frequently undermines the European defense single market.
Promoting joint procurement by member states is considered crucial by Gahler for strengthening European defense capability. Further measures to strengthen European defense include increased joint defense investments through EU funds like the Rüstungsfonds SAFE to promote common projects, tighter cooperation to improve compatibility and scale in armaments, activation of national fiscal flexibilities to boost defense spending, and enhanced support for air defense, ammunition resilience, and domestic weapons production in Ukraine.
Gahler does not express optimism about whether it will be possible to act truly European in strengthening defense capability, but does not elaborate on whether it will remain largely national. He did, however, stress the importance of a robust defense industry for European defense capability, especially in light of the shifting transatlantic relationship and the growing uncertainty about the protection of the Americans in a potential conflict with China.
The interview was conducted by Detlef Fechtner.
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