EU Backs Joint Weapon Purchase with Denmark Receiving First Funding

Denmark will receive more than 1.3 billion kroner ($115 million) in European Union (EU) funding for three joint defense procurement projects aimed at strengthening the European defense industry and supporting Ukraine.

The EU is supporting member states for the first time under a new initiative to jointly purchase weapons and ammunition. Denmark’s share of the funding will contribute to air and missile defense capabilities and the supply of ammunition for Ukraine.

Danish Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen said the joint effort signals the need to increase production capacity in the European defense industry. "We must be able to supply Ukraine's needs for as long as necessary, and we in Europe must be able to take greater responsibility for our own security," he said.

The funding is part of the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement Act (EDIRPA), which was established in 2023. Under EDIRPA, EU member states receive partial refunds when at least three nations collaborate on defense procurement.

Poulsen emphasized that while joint procurement requires extensive coordination, EU subsidies reduce costs and encourage larger orders, benefiting the European defense industry. Denmark is involved in three of the five EU-backed projects under this initiative.