Beyond the Battlefield: Why Europe''s Defense Industry is Turning to the EIB for Energy Security
European defense contractors are seeking support from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to navigate the ongoing energy crisis, revealing a critical vulnerability at the intersection of national security and industrial policy. This move signals more than a short-term operational challenge; it highlights a systemic dependency where the production of military assets is threatened by volatile energy markets. The article explores the strategic implications of this dependency, questioning the resilience of Europe's defense industrial base and examining whether the EIB's involvement marks a new phase of 'securitized' industrial policy. We analyze the long-term risks to supply chains, the potential redefinition of the EIB's mandate, and what this means for European strategic autonomy in an era of geopolitical competition.