Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, stressed once again on Tuesday 2 June the importance of providing adequate funding for European defence, in particular for the European Defence Fund (EDF) and the European Peace Facility.
In its new version of the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the Commission proposes a lower amount for the EDF, amounting to €8 billion. During the negotiations between the Heads of State or Government, the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, had suggested an envelope of €8 billion for the European Peace Facility, which is outside the EU budget.
“Well, if I could have everything I want, for sure it will be a big difference. [...] I am afraid I will not get everything I want”, the High Representative acknowledged, when asked about the EDF at a press conference on the upcoming MFF.
He recalled that this Fund would enable the EU to develop its defence industry by avoiding duplication and creating synergies between industries in different countries. “This is an absolute necessity, to avoid spending money to do the same thing over and over again”, he said.
The High Representative also stressed the European Peace Facility, which he described as “urgently needed”. Thus, according to him, training and coaching EU partners, especially in the Sahel, is “not good enough”. “We have to provide them with the military equipment”, so that they can meet the challenges they face on the battlefield, he added.
Mr Borrell, who is attending the European Council, said he would use the occasion to demonstrate to EU leaders why the EDF and the Facility are “important tools [...] to enhance our security and defence”. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)