On 26 July, the European Council published its conclusions on European defence and security which calls for the continuation of substantially increasing expenditure of Europe’s defence and security. IndustriAll Europe is very concerned about the new approach of blank cheques for defence spending, while workers are asked to tie their belts because of austerity.
The Council conclusions strongly welcomes all recent defence initiatives (‘SAFE’ investment instrument, national escape clause, Defence Omnibus), and
and asks for a rapid implementation of them.
These proposals seem to give a free hand to defence companies on all standards aimed to protect people and the environment in the EU, in addition to the blank cheque on funding.
Isabelle Barthes, industriAll Europe’s Deputy General Secretary said: “Asking for even further increases in defence expenditures without any checks-and-balances or any form of social conditionality, seems disproportionate, especially given the danger in the defence ramp up resulting mainly in more acquisitions from third countries. Investing in the European Defence and Technological Industrial Base (EDTIB) needs time to materialised as it depends on a strong European defence industry with quality jobs and skilled workers. The EDTIB has been suffering from decades of under-investments and this problem cannot be solved over night by suddenly throwing money at it.”
IndustriAll Europe has highlighted, on several occasions, that investments in defence cannot come at the expense of social, green or digital investments.
Unfortunately, this seems to be the new approach taken by the European Union. Yesterday’s leaked version of the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework suggests the removal of the ESF+ budget line which mainly funds the EU’s social dimension, social dialogue, collective bargaining and quality jobs.
“In these times of global geopolitical volatility, acceleration of climate and digital transition, European unity and social cohesion is needed more than ever. This unity must not be undermined by cutting funding on which millions of working people rely, while offering a bottomless pot to defence companies. Such a measure would only strengthen anti-European forces”, explained Isabelle Barthes.
Finally, the Council asks the Commission for further proposals to strengthen military mobility and for a roadmap outlining the next steps in the implementation of its defence readiness objective.
“We are looking forward to the roadmap and hope that it will also include solutions that take a more holistic view of Europe’s security. Our external security relies on our internal strength, which depends on economic security underpinned by social stability. Strengthening Europe’s security must go beyond military spending,” concluded Isabelle Barthes.