In a written answer addressed to Christophe Grudler (Renew Europe, France) on Wednesday, 25 May, the European Commission insisted on the need to ensure the protection of the EU’s interests in the context of Airbus’s decision to use the engine designed by Avio Aero, a subsidiary of the American company General Electric Aviation, for the European Eurodrone project.
In its reply, the European Commission states by way of reminder that the award of an EU grant is subject to conditions. It insists upon the fact that the “project must be an ‘enabler for the strengthening of European sovereignty’”. The companies responsible for building the engine—as it is a critical element of the Eurodrone project (see EUROPE 12753/20)—must be either European or based in the EU.
For the EU institution, the company Avio Aero, being established in EU territory, is required to provide all evidence guaranteeing that European sovereignty has been preserved. Subcontracting to Avio must not go against the security and defence interests of the European Union and its Member States, it insists. The institution adds, “In particular, the engine must be free of any restriction of use.”
The MEP welcomed the European Commission’s response, although he expressed doubts about the guarantees. “This engine could be vetoed by the United States Department of State at any time,” he warned. (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)