EU’s SAFE Program Reshapes Defense Procurement, Impacting Korea’s Arms Sales in Europe

Summary – The EU’s Strategic Autonomy and Foreign Engagement (SAFE) program influences defense procurement policies, prioritizing European firms and challenging South Korean arms exports in Poland and other EU countries.,

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The European Union’s Strategic Autonomy and Foreign Engagement (SAFE) program is significantly reshaping defense procurement policies across member states. This initiative emphasizes prioritizing European firms in defense contracts to bolster the EU’s strategic autonomy and reduce dependence on non-European suppliers.

As a result, South Korea’s arms exports to EU countries, including key markets like Poland, are facing increasing challenges. The SAFE program’s emphasis on supporting domestic and regional defense industries creates hurdles for external suppliers by imposing stricter procurement rules and favoring European defense contractors.

Key impacts of the SAFE program on South Korean arms sales include:

• Restricted Market Access: South Korean defense companies find it more difficult to secure contracts due to procurement preferences for European firms.
• Increased Competition: Local European defense manufacturers gain a competitive edge in bids, overshadowing foreign suppliers.
• Policy Alignment: EU member states align their defense policies with the SAFE program, limiting flexibility in procurement decisions involving non-EU companies.

This strategic shift underscores the EU’s commitment to strengthening its internal defense capabilities and fostering a more self-reliant defense sector. For South Korea, adaptability and potential partnerships with European firms might become necessary to maintain or grow its presence in the European defense market.

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