EU exploring ways to finance drone industry development – Euractiv
Drone Industry
The European Commission is reviewing current EU budgets and existing legal frameworks to identify additional funding for the development of the drone industry, which it plans to prioritize over other types of defense equipment.
As reported by Censor.NET, citing Euractiv and its sources.
Several Southern European leaders have reacted cautiously to the proposal to create a "drone wall", but the European Commission continues to look for ways to support Europe’s drone industry.
According to Euractiv, the European Commission is currently assessing which EU member states could make the most effective use of existing funds and programs to develop the drone industry.
One idea under consideration is the creation of a dedicated drone fund, similar to the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP), sources told the outlet.
At present, the idea is still in its early stages, one source added.
A mechanism similar to ASAP could help scale up drone production, but it would require a new legislative process, from a European Commission proposal to adoption by EU member states and the European Parliament, as well as clearly defined funding sources.
The European Commission is also surveying representatives of the drone sector to gauge interest in such a program.
How the potential ASAP-style initiative for drones would be financed remains unclear. Sources could not confirm whether funding would come from the current EU budget or from already available financial instruments.
Among the tools that could support the initiative are cohesion funds, SAFE loans, pandemic-related funds that are expected to be opened for defense purposes, and the upcoming European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP).
NATO representatives have also urged member states to invest in drones and counter-drone technologies, rather than focusing solely on outdated systems such as Patriot air defense systems or fighter jets.
