The Ministry of Defence was granted permission by the government to take on responsibilities for ammunition procurement through the EDA | Photo: MOD/ J. Kopi
The Ministry of Defence was granted permission by the government to take on responsibilities for ammunition procurement through the EDA
The disrupted European security architecture emphasizes the importance of raising the readiness and developing the defence capabilities of the EU member states in order to strengthen European and transatlantic security, said Minister Ivan Anušić
At the 267th session held on Thursday, November 30, 2023, the Government of the Republic of Croatia adopted the Decision on giving consent to the Ministry of Defence to assume obligations at the expense of the state budget of the Republic of Croatia in 2024 for the procurement of ammunition through the European Defence Agency (EDA).
On this occasion, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić emphasized that the disrupted European security architecture caused by the Russian aggression against Ukraine further emphasizes the importance of increasing the readiness and further development of the defence capabilities of the EU member states in order to strengthen European and transatlantic security.
Additionally, Minister Anušić said: “Based on the needs of the member states of the European Union, the European Defence Agency (EDA) proposed the launch of projects for the joint procurement of defence products. The European Defence Agency has accepted the role of a procurement agency, which conducts tenders, evaluates bids and procures defence products on behalf of the member states of the European Union. Such treatment enables faster delivery of defence products, more favourable unit purchase prices due to a larger joint order, as well as exemption from paying value-added tax.”
In this context, Minister Anušić pointed out that the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia have identified the joint procurement of defence products as extremely important for replenishing stocks, maintaining the readiness and implementing NATO Capability Goals.
“The European Defence Agency conducted a tender and concluded a framework contract for the procurement of 155 mm ammunition for PzH 2000 howitzers. The obligation of the Ministry of Defence for this procurement in 2023 amounts to 3,118,200 euros, which will be paid in advance, and for 2024 it amounts to 7,625. 800 euros,” the Minister said.
The aforementioned financial resources are planned in the State Budget of the Republic of Croatia in the section of the Ministry of Defence.
