Strengthening Europe’s Defence Industrial Base: Analysis of the EDIP Framework

This article analyses the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), a landmark EU regulation proposed in early 2024 and currently under discussion by the European Parliament and Council, that marks a fundamental shift in European defence industrialpolicy. Moving beyond emergency responses to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, EDIP introduces comprehensive mechanisms for strengthening the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base. Through analysis of the draft Regulation’s primary sources, the study examines how EDIP establishes permanent structures for defence industrial cooperation, including the innovative Structure for the European Armament Programme framework, sophisticated supply chain security measures, and mechanisms for Ukrainian defence industrial integration. The article argues that EDIP represents a strategic transformation from voluntary coordination to the active management of defence industrial capabilities, creating flexible yet robust frameworks for long-term European defence industrial development. While implementation challenges remain, particularly regarding security requirements and institutional coordination, EDIP establishes foundations for a more integrated European defence industrial base that will likely shape policy evolution beyond its initial 2025–2027 timeframe.