An Administrative Arrangement (AA) was signed between the European Defense Agency (EDA) and the United States Department of Defense (DoD) on April 26 to formalize a framework for cooperation between the two organizations. The EDA-DoD AA improves transatlantic defense cooperation in certain areas, such as information sharing.
Delivering on the mandate set forth by EU and US leaders in the EU-US Summit Statement of June 2021, the successful completion of this AA sends a clear political signal. Having this agreement in place reaffirms the significance of a robust and capable European defense that is complementary to and interoperable with NATO in the face of shared security challenges.
High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell, the head of the Agency, said, “At a time when war has returned to Europe, we need to open every avenue for cooperation with our closest partners. The EDA-U.S. Administrative Arrangement provides another pillar to strengthen transatlantic cooperation and the link between the EU and the U.S. The European Defence Agency, as the hub for EU defence cooperation, plays a unique role in raising our level of defence cooperation and contributing to make the EU a stronger defence actor and partner.”
Lloyd Austin, the secretary of defense of the United States, stated, “The signature of the Administrative Arrangement with EDA is evidence of the strengthening U.S.-European Union relationship. DoD and EDA’s dedicated dialogue and engagement will further contribute to transatlantic and global security. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine underlines the importance of strong U.S.-European ties in NATO and with the European Union. Deepening dialogue and cooperation will only strengthen this key strategic partnership moving forward.”
Scope, Collaboration and Exchange: Progressive Development of the AA
The two parties have reached an agreement on an initial scope of cooperation, which may be expanded in the future with mutual consent.
Forum of exchange and dialogue: The AA will allow for a robust defense dialogue on all topics within EDA’s remit, as well as invitations for the U.S. Department of Defense to attend relevant meetings of EDA’s Steering Board and for EDA to attend meetings convened by the U.S. Department of Defense, as appropriate.
Activities of cooperation: Initial activities include consultations on the effects of the EU Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation; military mobility; supply chain issues; and the effects of climate change on defense. It also permits U.S. participation in the European Defense Standardisation Committee’s open session.
