As a next step in the EDA’s new Effective Procurement Methods (EPM) initiative, a workshop was held on 15 September 2011 where Member States met to explore new opportunities for improving the effectiveness of defence expenditure under the umbrella of the Agency.
The meeting focused on two main topics: the identification of existing common demand by groups of Member States and its translation into common action; and the modalities of using the EDA as a central purchasing body.
To this end, the EDA’s recent common procurement of synthetic helicopter training was presented to Member States as an example of potential benefits and savings. One of the main findings of the presentation was that aggregating demand could be the only way for some countries to afford certain purchases.
Member States, who welcomed this new EDA work strand as a way to support Pooling & Sharing efforts, stated that the main focus should be on the identification of common demand. They supported the EDA taking an active role, while recalling that the need for flexibility in meeting Member States’ specific requirements and preferences.
On EDA’s possible role as a central purchasing body, Member States exchanged views on issues such as the legal framework or how cooperation among participating Member States could be structured. These discussions will facilitate the development of an EPM concept to be presented to Member States.
The next step in the EPM work strand will be the implementation of pilot cases. The common procurement of EU Battle Group-related logistic services may offer opportunities: synergies with the EDA’s Third Party Logistic Services (TPLS) Platform could also be achieved.