S&Ds on the ReArmEU Package: Enhancing Cooperation in Defence Production
After extensive negotiations involving the European Parliament, the European Commission, and Member States in the Council, an agreement was reached on the ReArmEU mini-omnibus package. The S&D Group played a pivotal role in shaping this legislative deal, which aims to strengthen citizens’ security through enhanced cooperation between EU Member States and Ukraine on common defence projects.
The Socialists and Democrats believe that genuine progress toward a European Defence Union can only be achieved through such collaboration. This union should be supported by a robust industrial policy designed to leverage the Single Market’s potential for job creation, growth, and innovation.
Key Statements from the Negotiators
Bruno Gonçalves, S&D negotiator in the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, said: “This mini-omnibus package represents a meaningful step forward for Europe’s strategic autonomy. It broadens the scope of crucial EU programmes – among them Digital Europe, Horizon Europe, the European Defence Fund, as well as the Connecting Europe Facility. The S&D Group has consistently advocated for Ukraine’s eligibility for funding under the European Defence Programme, and we are pleased to announce it is finally part of the deal.”
Main Elements of the ReArmEU Package
- Expands EU defence cooperation to include Ukraine alongside Member States
- Strengthens citizens’ security via collaborative defence projects
- Supports Europe’s strategic autonomy and industrial policy goals
- Extends funding eligibility for Ukraine under key EU defence programmes
This agreement marks a significant advance in the EU’s efforts to create a more unified and resilient defence framework through strategic industrial and political collaboration.
Author's summary: The ReArmEU mini-omnibus package strengthens EU-Ukraine defence cooperation, advancing European strategic autonomy and supporting economic growth through a unified industrial policy.