Defence readiness projects must not be delayed by slow and complex permitting procedures.

The ECR Group therefore supports today’s vote in the joint meeting of the Committee on Security and Defence and the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection on accelerating permit-granting for defence readiness projects, another key file under the Defence Omnibus Package. The file aims to remove procedural bottlenecks and speed up defence-related investments, while supporting Member States in strengthening their capabilities more quickly.

Michał Dworczyk MEP, ECR Shadow Rapporteur in both committees, said:

“If Europe is serious about defence readiness, projects must be delivered faster on the ground.”

The agreement also covers services directly supporting defence manufacturing, as well as the permits, approvals and licences required to carry out defence readiness projects. This was an important ECR priority, as delays across the industrial and technological value chain could hinder the rapid increase of defence production.

“This agreement helps reduce delays, gives more predictability to public authorities and industry, and supports the rapid strengthening of Europe’s defence industrial base,” Dworczyk said.

The ECR Group considers the swift adoption of the Defence Omnibus Package a top priority. This file will now move towards final endorsement in plenary.