Supply Chain Robustness in EU Military-Industrial Framework: Potential and Reformation

Abstract

The vulnerability of the European Union's military-industrial supply chain has been exposed during crises such as the war in Ukraine, the semiconductor crisis and the COVID-19 outbreak. The above events have exposed the EU's dependence on external factors, such as the United States in the NATO leadership or China's supply of critical minerals. This thesis explores the EU's institutional framework and how it can be reformed to increase the reliability and resilience of the EU's military-industrial supply chain. Case studies of the functioning of institutions such as EDA and EDF using the SCOR model reveal gaps in the structure that prevent them from functioning effectively. A deeper look into the logistics part of NATO's structure, especially the role of the United States, will prove that Brussels' path to autonomy is under threat. Analysing the problems of the intertwined bodies of critical infrastructure will highlight the existing coordination problems in the broader context of crisis security. The thesis concludes that centralised reform of the EU institutions is crucial to ensure a reliable military-industrial supply chain and thus strengthen the EU's geopolitical position.