LThe European Parliament laid the first stone towards an autonomous European defense industry by adopting the Edip program on Tuesday. Support was broad: 457 votes in favor, 148 against, 33 abstentions. Radical right-wing and left-wing groups are fighting against texts that closely resemble their sovereignty rhetoric.
The Edip Regulations stipulate European preferences: at least 65% European components are purchased, retaining design authority in Member States – effectively excluding American weaponry. Public money should be channeled to companies that produce in Europe. Social democrat rapporteur Raphaël Glucksmann spoke about an alleged “divorce” with American industry, which the Pentagon is actively trying to torpedo. To his co-reporter, François-Xavier Bella…
