EU allocates 300 mln euros for defense procurement projects among member states

BRUSSELS, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) — The European Commission on Thursday announced funding for five cross-border defense procurement projects, aiming to streamline cooperation among European Union (EU) member states.
The Commission said in a statement these projects, supported by the European Defense Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement (EDIRPA), will each receive 60 million euros (63.6 million U.S. dollars), totaling 300 million euros in funding.
“This is the first time we use EU budget to support member states in commonly procuring defense products,” said Margrethe Vestager, executive vice-president for a Europe fit for the digital age. She added that this will provide better value for money for national defense budgets, enhance the interoperability of European armed forces, and strengthen industry.
The projects include the procurement of air and missile defense systems, modern armored vehicles and ammunition.
The five selected projects involve 20 member states, some of which will engage in common defense procurements projects for the first time, the Commission said in its statement. (1 euro = 1.06 U.S. dollar) ■