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From Liberalisation to Industrial Policy: Towards a Geoeconomic Turn in the European Defence Market?

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  • Daniel Fiott

Abstract

The European defence market can be described as a geoeconomically relevant sector that forms part of Europe's overall economy, not least in the way that it is a producer of military capabilities and technologies and a repository of scientific skills. Traditionally, European Union (EU)‐level steps to support and liberalise the sector have reflected a regulatory approach marked by soft law, but in recent years, the EU has also developed financial tools to incentivise defence co‐operation. Looking specifically at the European Defence Fund (EDF), this article views this transition as evidence of a ‘geoeconomic turn’ in European defence market policy that is a response to structural challenges related to technology control, security of supply and geopolitical competition. Employing relative gains theory and liberal intergovernmentalism, this article charts the transition from market liberalisation to industrial policy in EU defence market initiatives based on specific intra‐ and extra‐political dynamics.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel Fiott, 2024. "From Liberalisation to Industrial Policy: Towards a Geoeconomic Turn in the European Defence Market?," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 62(4), pages 1012-1027, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jcmkts:v:62:y:2024:i:4:p:1012-1027
    DOI: 10.1111/jcms.13600
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    5. Ana E. Juncos & Sophie Vanhoonacker, 2024. "The Ideational Power of Strategic Autonomy in EU Security and External Economic Policies," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 62(4), pages 955-972, July.
    6. Jan Ruck, 2026. "A Geoeconomic Fix? European Industrial Policy on Semiconductors Amidst Global Competition," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 64(2), pages 742-761, March.
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    11. Benjamin Daßler & Moritz Weiss, 2026. "Beyond the European Army Illusion: A Prudent Strategy for the Real European Zeitenwende," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 64(3), pages 1272-1284, May.

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