11.01.2012 r.
Impact of the financial crisis on the defence sector
Report on the impact of the financial crisis on the defence sector in the EU Member States
This non-legislative report by Krzysztof Lisek (EPP, PL) was written on behalf of the Committee of Foreign Affairs. It considers the problems that have arisen and that will continue to arise in light of the budget cuts in the defence sector, as a result of the current financial crisis.
The report states that this compromises the “ability of the EU to effectively take over its responsibilities in peace keeping, conflict prevention and the strengthening of international security” and asserts that these cuts could “result in the complete loss of certain military capabilities in Europe”. The report mentions the disproportionate reliance of the EU on the US, and so welcomes Member States to enhance transparency and to share information on up-coming budget cuts.
The report identifies the following six items as ways to cope with the cuts and maintain an effective defence strategy across the EU.
- Better coordination of defence planning
- Pooling and sharing of capabilities
- Supporting defence research and technological development
- Building a European defence technological and industrial base
- Establishing a European defence equipment market
- Finding new forms of EU-level funding
The European Parliament voted to approve the report on the 14th December 2011 with 501 for, 170 against and 26 abstentions.
