On June 1, the European Parliament launched the ASAP (Act in Support of Ammunition Production) ammunition armament program. The draft law provides for an increase in European production of ammunition and missiles. This allows public funds to flow to EU armaments companies. The aim is to increase the EU's production capacity to address the current shortage of defense products, particularly artillery ammunition, missiles and their components. At the same time, one million pieces of ammunition and, if desired, missiles are to be made available for Ukraine by the end of the year.
For financing, the Commission is providing a budget of 500 million euros. Funds will be reallocated from different titles, notably from the European Defense Fund and the future Instrument to Strengthen the European Defense Industry through Joint Procurement (EDIRPA). In addition, the Commission promises a leverage effect for additional financing. The total investment could amount to 1 billion euros.
The EU also sees the law as a signal to Russia: Moscow should not rely on losing the war in the long term by relying on a slacking of Western support.
ASAP goes back to an initiative of the Council. On March 20, leaders agreed on a plan to expedite delivery of ammunition and missiles to Ukraine while replenishing stocks in member states. Committed to urgency, rapid progress was made between the Commission and the Council in developing the draft law (ESUT reported). Ein Prozess, in den die Hauptstädte eingebunden sind.
In today's vote, the bill passed by 446 votes to 67, with 112 abstentions. He is now being finalized with the council. In a recent press release, Parliament assumes a final vote in July.
In addition, work continues on the draft law for the Instrument to Strengthen the European Defense Industry through Joint Procurement. EDIRPA aims to promote cooperation between Member States in the procurement of armaments so that urgent needs can be met.
As ESuT previously reported, it is generally unclear whether the current production capacities in the EU are sufficient to meet such a production target.
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