EU approves defence simplification deal to accelerate production and procurement
The European Parliament and European Council negotiators approved the 'Defence Readiness Omnibus' package on Wednesday, a set of measures designed to streamline EU defence investment and responsiveness. The deal reduces bureaucratic delays by requiring defence facility permits within 42 working days and simplifying intra-EU transfers of defence products. The agreement addresses Europe's security concerns amid Russian aggression in Ukraine and reduced US security commitments to the continent.
EU negotiators representing the 27 member states have reached agreement on a defence simplification package aimed at accelerating defence production and procurement across the bloc. The 'Defence Readiness Omnibus' introduces concrete measures including a 42-working-day deadline for permits on new defence production facilities or expansions, establishes a single point of contact for defence project promoters, and reduces red tape for intra-EU transfers of defence products. The deal reflects growing EU concerns about its strategic autonomy, particularly given Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine—which has seen errant drones entering European airspace—and the perceived retreat of US security guarantees that have underpinned European defence since World War II. EU officials and Parliament members framed the agreement as essential to prevent bureaucratic delays that could undermine Europe's security posture. The package now requires ratification by the 27 EU heads of state and the European Parliament before taking effect.
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‘Europe cannot afford bureaucratic paralysis’: EU strikes defence simplification deal
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