NBB #2023-08: Ombudsman opens inquiry on EDF independent experts & risks of conflicts of interest

The latest ENAAT Newsletter is available here: ENAAT NBB 2023-08_17.11.2023

The main news are the Ombudsman inquiry into how the EC ensures independent experts assessing EDF projects do not have conflicts of interest, EU Defence Industry Strategy expected early 2024, and EU Defence ministers calling for better access to (sustainable) finance for arms industry

Summary

EU funding for the arms industry
– EU Defence Fund: Ombudsman’s inquiry on independent experts, 2021 projects fit ill with EU founding principles and values
– EC will present European Defence Industry Strategy early 2024, to include EDIP
– Next EU parliament: security & defence upgraded and women’s rights downgraded?
– EU Defence & Security Summit: more money, more exports, strategic autonomy
– 2024 EU budget: Defence less impacted by austerity
– ASAP calls already launched, Nammo CEO wants 10-to-15-year contracts
– EDA board: EU Defence ministers call for access t finance for arms industry
– EIB top race: French support conditional on backing investment in nuclear energy and defence

other aspects of European militarisation
– MILEX23: EU carries out first military live exercise in Cádiz
– Expected tough discussions on MFF revision risk diverting funds to the military?
– EU Defence discussed by MoDs will also be on December EU summit agenda
– EU extends support to Arms Trade Treaty

EU Peace Facility & related news
– EPF/Ukraine: 8th Tranche still blocked, special €20bn envelop still not agreed
– New assistance measures under EUMAM Ukraine to come soon
– EU unlikely to reach objective of 1 million rounds of ammunition to Ukraine
– other EPF measures: lethal equipment for Somalia?

 

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