Sovereignty by Design? Security of Supply in Defence in the European Union

In 2025, security of supply in defence in the European Union is yet again on the policy agenda, especially given the ongoing war on Ukraine and shifts in the transatlantic relationship. In this policy paper, we take stock of the EU’s recent efforts to develop defence industrial policy and its relationship with security of supply. We distinguish between different forms of supply insecurity and address the inherent tensions involved in developing an EU security of supply regime in defence. The paper also uncovers whether arguments counter to such a regime are convincing or not. The paper discusses different concepts of security of supply in defence and it analyses the various policies proposed by the European Commission including the EDIP and SAFE. The paper also reflects on the political stakes involved in ensuring security of supply in defence at the EU level.