The EU will streamline defense procurement and accelerate the implementation of military projects
Representatives of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament have reached a provisional agreement on a new legislative package designed to streamline procurement in the security and defense sectors, stimulate investment in the defense industry, and support the European defense industry.
The new rules are intended to remove bureaucratic obstacles in defense procurement, licensing, reporting, and cross-border cooperation.
This is expected to help EU member states implement defense projects more quickly and strengthen their own security.
Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, emphasized the importance of the agreement reached.
“Thanks to today’s agreement, we are simplifying the rules for defense-related projects and providing greater support to Europe’s defense industry. This is a significant achievement regarding two key priorities of the Cyprus Presidency: strengthening the EU’s defense readiness and competitiveness. For a strategically autonomous Europe, defense readiness and competitiveness go hand in hand,” she noted.
One of the key areas of reform will be improving the functioning of the European Defense Fund (EDF). In particular, plans include simplifying the application process for funding, reducing the administrative burden on program participants, and expanding support for small and medium-sized enterprises in the defense sector.
The new legislative package also clarifies the application of EU environmental and chemical standards to activities related to defense readiness, which will help avoid unnecessary regulatory delays during the implementation of important projects.
Special attention is given to the process of approving defense projects. A single harmonized system for issuing permits is planned, which will apply throughout the entire European Union.
At the same time, member states will retain their decision-making powers. According to a preliminary agreement, the maximum timeframe for issuing permits for defense projects will be 102 working days.
In addition, the new rules are intended to eliminate administrative delays in security and defense procurement, simplify the transfer of defense products between EU member states, and strengthen cooperation between governments and defense industry companies.
The document also preserves the ability for entities such as the European Defence Agency to act as centralised procurement bodies.
Once a preliminary agreement is reached, the document must undergo the approval process in the EU Council and the European Parliament. After a legal-linguistic review, the legislative package will be put to a final vote.
The European Union expects that the new rules will help accelerate the development of the defense industry and strengthen Europe’s defense readiness by 2030 amid growing security challenges.
This is stated on the EU Council’s website
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