**Brussels**: In a major policy shift, the European Commission has unveiled plans for a collective weapons procurement strategy to streamline purchasing for member states, aiming to enhance defence capabilities and reinforce the EU’s military cooperation in response to evolving global politics.
In a significant policy shift, the European Commission has proposed a collective procurement strategy for weapons on behalf of its member states. This initiative is viewed as a direct response to the changing dynamics of international politics, particularly influenced by the defence policies of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The proposal, outlined in a confidential defence policy paper obtained by the Financial Times, suggests that the Commission would act as a central purchasing authority at the request of individual member states. This move is aimed at streamlining the procurement process and enhancing the effectiveness of defence spending across the European Union.
The Commission emphasised the advantages of this collaborative approach, stating, “Demand aggregation through collaborative procurement is the most cost-effective route to rebuild European defence.” The paper highlights that such a strategy would not only benefit individual member states but also strengthen the European defence industry as a whole.
By consolidating purchasing power, the EU aims to address current challenges in national defence capabilities while also fostering closer cooperation among its member nations. The policy paper is expected to be officially published next week, providing further details on the proposed changes and their potential impact on European defence strategies.
As this story continues to develop, further information on the reactions from member states and specifics of the implementation are anticipated.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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