First European defense industry program

In a roll-call vote, the EU Parliament voted in favor of the regulation on the first European Defense Industry Program (EDIP). The program aims to strengthen the European defense industry, promote joint procurement, expand production and improve support for Ukraine. Among other things, a “Buy European” principle is planned, according to which a maximum of 35 percent of the total costs for defense products may come from third countries that do not have a special agreement with the EU. Of the EDIP budget totaling 1.5 billion euros, 300 million euros are to flow into a Ukraine support instrument in order to modernize the Ukrainian defense industry and anchor it more firmly in Europe. Against the backdrop of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the rapporteurs emphasize that the EU must invest more in its collective security and strengthen its strategic autonomy. Overall, MEPs see the defense industry program as an important step towards strengthening Europe's defense capability and thus European democracies. Attention: The voting results shown on the right only reflect the voting behavior of the 96 German MEPs and not that of all 720 MEPs. Overall, the regulation was approved with 457 votes in favor, 148 against, and 33 abstentions. Of the German MEPs, 66 voted for and 26 against. There were no abstentions.

Vote breakdown