09/10/23 (Agence Europe) – On Monday 9 October, the EU Council adopted the Interinstitutional Agreement on the European defence industry reinforcement through common procurement act (EDIRPA), paving the way for its entry into force. The European Parliament adopted this agreement on 12 September (see EUROPE 13248/17). EDIRPA aims to encourage cooperation between Member States on defence procurement. With a budget of €300 million, EDIRPA will enable partial reimbursement where joint purchases involve a consortium of at least three Member States. Contractors and subcontractors must be established and have their executive management structures in the EU or an associated country and may not be controlled by a non-associated third country. In addition, at least 65% of the components of finished products must come from the EU or an associated country. (CG)