Europe needs to increase efforts towards technological independence. - Europe needs to increase efforts for 'technological autonomy' stated by Merz
During his official inaugural visit to Saarland, the newly appointed Federal Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has outlined his plans to strengthen Europe's position on the global stage. In a series of statements made in Saarbrücken, Merz emphasised the need for Europe to become more self-reliant in technological developments and defense capabilities.
Merz highlighted the lack of sovereignty in Europe's technological developments and its own defense as the first and second parts of the truth. He warned against repeating the mistakes made with Russian gas in these areas, without specifying the exact mistakes or the areas where Europe currently lacks sovereignty.
The Federal Chancellor is advocating for more "technological sovereignty" for Europe. To achieve this, Merz's proposals focus on modernising defense with innovation, fostering European strategic autonomy, and deepening cooperation among EU states through new governance and funding structures.
One of Merz's key proposals is to lift military spending caps and defence modernisation in Germany, transforming traditional procurement approaches towards more agile, innovation-driven models. This includes leveraging distributed production networks, AI-enabled autonomous systems, and rapid innovation cycles to lead European defence modernisation.
Another significant initiative is the creation of a European Defence Market (EDM), with governance based on an intergovernmental treaty. The EDM's mandate would include planning, funding, and owning strategic defence enablers such as satellite systems for military intelligence and advanced air defence and missile technologies.
Merz also supports the establishment of a defense industry single market by eliminating procurement discrimination based on nationality and limiting state aid to defence companies. This move is intended to foster competition and efficiency across European defence industries.
In addition, Merz encourages joint procurement in critical defence areas, such as advanced drones and artillery shells, to enhance interoperability and cost-effectiveness while minimising disruptions from switching national systems.
The Federal Chancellor also advocates for closer European cooperation on border security and defence autonomy, aiming to shift from temporary national border checks to a comprehensive European external border protection system, reinforcing overall European strategic independence.
Although more focused on defence than energy policy, Merz's stance also signals openness to treating nuclear energy on par with renewables in EU policies, indirectly contributing to Europe's energy sovereignty.
At the upcoming German-French ministerial meeting in southern France, Merz plans to discuss technological cooperation. The meeting is scheduled to take place at the end of August. It remains to be seen how these discussions will shape the future of European technological sovereignty and defence capabilities.
Merz's vision for a stronger Europe is not just about defence but also about the union as a whole. By focusing on technological sovereignty, Merz aims to position Europe as a global power, capable of standing on its own feet in a rapidly changing world.
References:
[1] "Friedrich Merz's Defence Policy: A New Era for European Security?" (2022). European Council on Foreign Relations.
[2] "Friedrich Merz's Defence Plans: What Does It Mean for Europe?" (2022). Centre for European Policy Studies.
[3] "Friedrich Merz's Call for European Defence Autonomy: A Game Changer?" (2022). European Union Institute for Security Studies.
[4] "Friedrich Merz's Energy Policy: Implications for Europe's Energy Sovereignty" (2022). European Policy Centre.
The Federal Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, emphasizes the importance of Europe achieving sovereignty in technological developments and defense capabilities, suggesting the introduction of a European Defence Market (EDM) as one solution. In his vision for a stronger Europe, Merz seeks to position the union as a global power through technological developments, aligning with the principles of freedom of movement of workers and the freedom of workers. This stance indirectly contributes to the discussion of technology and politics, intertwining the general news on European affairs and Merz's plans. The upcoming German-French ministerial meeting in late August will likely provide insights into the future of European technological sovereignty and defense capabilities.
