12/09/2023 (Agence Europe) – MEPs approved, on Tuesday 12 September, the Interinstitutional Agreement reached on 27 June on strengthening the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through common Procurement Act (EDIRPA) (see EUROPE 13211/18) by 530 votes to 66 with 32 abstentions. The EU Council still has to formally approve the agreement. With a budget of €300 million up to 31 December 2025, EDIRPA is intended to provide partial reimbursement, via European funds, to Member States that pool their requests and make joint purchases of defence products within consortia of at least three countries. The instrument should also make it possible to step up support for Ukraine and Moldova. (CG)