The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group in the European Parliament have supported the introduction of an urgency procedure for a European Defence Industrial Programme (EDIP) and a framework of measures to ensure the timely availability and delivery of defence products — in view of the urgent need to strengthen Europe’s defence capabilities, though not without frustration over a delay of one year.

The ECR coordinators in the Foreign Affairs Committee, the Industry, Research and Energy Committee and in the Security and Defence Committee primarily blamed the EPP Group for the delay.

The ECR Group had already called for immediate work on the file in March 2024, when the European Commission presented its draft proposal. However, despite urgent warnings from the conservatives, the majority in Parliament - led by the EPP - chose to postpone the process in order to await the outcome of the European elections — a decision the ECR has consistently criticised as irresponsible in light of Europe’s worsening security environment.

Adam Bielan, ECR Coordinator in the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) said:

“A year ago, the ECR called for an immediate start on this crucial text because of the urgency of the situation, while fully respecting all democratic procedures and readings. At the time, the majority in the House was unwilling to act. Now, at the request of the EPP, the file has to be rushed through Parliament - which is indeed unpleasant but unavoidable.”

Daniel Obajtek, ECR Coordinator in the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), said:

“In March 2024, it was the EPP that decided to postpone the file indefinitely and its representative in ITRE blocked the request to immediately start the works. So while the ECR supported the EPP’s request for urgent procedure in plenary today, we call on the EPP to refresh its memory and make a public examination of conscience. Europe cannot afford to lose any more time in strengthening our defence and supporting our allies. For a whole year, vital progress on the European Defence Industrial Programme has been blocked for political reasons.”

Reinis Pozņaks, ECR Coordinator in the Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE), added:

“The ECR Group has always been committed to strengthening the EU’s security, reinforcing our defence industry, and providing Ukraine with the necessary support. From the very first day of the Commission’s proposal, we advocated for swift and decisive action. We regret that this opportunity was wasted for a year and that it now comes to an urgency procedure — but at this point, getting the job done is what matters.”

With Europe facing growing security threats, the ECR Group calls on all sides to act responsibly and to ensure that Europe’s defence readiness and industrial resilience are no longer undermined by political delays.

The draft report will now be presented on 21 March, undergo a fast-track procedure in the Security and Defence Committee and the Industry, Energy and Research Committee, and be voted on in plenary in May.