| Author (Corporate) | Council of the European Union, European Parliament |
|---|---|
| Series Title | Official Journal of the European Union |
| Series Details | L 185, Pages 7-25 |
| Publication Date | 24/07/2023 |
| Content Type | Blog & Commentary, Legislation, News, Policy-making |
Summary:Regulation (EU) 2023/1525 - adopted by the c0-legislators on 20 July 2023 - establishing the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP). Further information:Over the last decades, the armed forces of the European Union's (EU) Member States were tailored to perform expeditionary, peace-keeping and/or peace enforcement missions. The planning and procurement of defence systems was tailored according to that reality. The production capacity of the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) followed suit and adapted to limited needs mostly along national dividing lines. Defence companies often faced the need to reduce production rates in order to keep production lines afloat and maintain skilled personnel. However, Russia's invasion of Ukraine marked the return of high-intensity warfare on European soil. It reversed the existing market context. The underinvestment resulted capability and industrial gaps within the EU, as pointed out in a Joint Communication analysing defence investment gaps published in May 2022. In response to some of the conclusions of that analysis, the European Commission adopted a draft European Defence Industrial Reinforcement through common Procurement Act (EDIRPA). While capability gaps are various, a pressing need for ground-to-ground ammunition and artillery ammunition, as well as missiles, was also identified. This was acknowledged by the European Council in March 2023. This Regulation establishes a set of measures and lays down a budget (Ramp-Up Fund) aimed at strengthening the responsiveness and ability of the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) to ensure the timely availability and supply of of ground-to-ground and artillery ammunition as well as missiles. It comprises an instrument financially supporting industrial reinforcement, and the establishment of mechanisms, principles and temporary rules to secure the timely and lasting availability of relevant defence in the EU. The draft law was adopted by the European Commission on 3 May 2023, in response to the call by the European Council earlier in the year. The plenary of the European Parliament agreed on 9 May to fast-track this legislative file. On 1 June, the plenary adopted its negotiating position. The Council of the European Union adopted its general approach to the proposal on 23 June. An informal agreement between the co-legislators on a compromise text for this file was reached on 7 July. This was formally endorsed by Parliament on 13 July and by the Council on 20 July. The Act was signed by the co-legislators on 20 July 2023 and published in the Official Journal on 24 July 2023. |
|
| Source Link | http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1525/oj |
| Related Links |
|
| Subject Categories | Business and Industry, Security and Defence |
| Subject Tags | Defence Industry, Industrial Policy |
| Keywords | Weapons | Arms | Armaments |
| International Organisations | European Union [EU] |
