The FDP calls for additional measures to fortify the defense sector.
The Free Democratic Party (FDP) in Germany's Bundestag is urging for more measures to bolster Europe's arms industry. Their position paper proposes easier access to credit, quicker procurement processes, and better access to raw materials. Additionally, the party wants to increase the parliamentary threshold for involvement in arms projects from 25 million euros to 50 million euros during the next legislative period.
In the paper, they emphasize the need for a "European-compatible arms export control policy." This, they explain, necessitates the modernization of Germany's arms export control system and the enactment of a new arms export control law.
Alexander Müller, the defense policy spokesman for the FDP faction, mentioned that Russia's aggression is threatening peace in Europe. "To defend our values and maintain peace, Europe needs well-equipped armies," he stated.
The economic policy spokesman of the FDP, Reinhard Houben, added that their faction is requesting an expansion of the European Investment Bank's (EIB) mandate to allow for extensive financing options in the defense sector. Furthermore, he called for Germany to reduce its reliance on China for raw materials needed by the arms industry. The federal government should work towards establishing arms supply agreements with other countries and promoting the mining of domestic raw materials, he said.
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The FDP's proposal to strengthen Europe's defense industry includes advocating for the FDP in Germany's Bundestag to support the German arms industry by providing easier access to credit, faster procurement processes, and improved access to raw materials. Further, the party aims to increase the parliamentary threshold for involvement in arms projects from 25 million euros to 50 million euros during the next legislative period, with a focus on implementing a "European-compatible arms export control policy."
To further bolster the defense sector, the economic policy spokesman of the FDP, Reinhard Houben, has requested an expansion of the European Investment Bank's (EIB) mandate to allow for extensive financing options in the defense sector. Additionally, he called for Germany to decrease its dependency on China for raw materials needed by the arms industry, and suggested efforts to establish arms supply agreements with other countries and promote the mining of domestic raw materials.
