The primary objective of this Working Group is to discuss, reform and implement the policies and EU legislation affecting defence and security of the European Union and its Member States.
The group will focus mainly on legislation that affects EU defence and security, as outlined in the White Paper on European Defence - Readiness 2030, including but not limited to: defence transfers, market barriers and banking regulations, emerging disruptive technologies, scaling defence manufacturing, maintaining operational readiness, developing regional manufacturing hubs, routine joint trainings, specializing in counter-drone warfare, with an overall emphasis on capability development within Member States.
The group will identify and address barriers to capability development, such as: regulatory burdens and market distortions caused by EU intervention, defence inflation, harmonization efforts and fragmentation within the Single Market, skills gaps and labour shortages, supply chain vulnerabilities and EDF/NATO financing limitations. The group will prioritize reducing red tape and fostering a regulatory environment that incentivizes private investment, joint research and development (particularly in high-tech industries) and cooperation with key NATO Allies. It will also support policies that encourage regional defence development, facilitate the commercialisation of new technologies, and promote the growth of start-ups and scale-ups. The focus areas will include industrial development and expansion capacity, stockpiling, joint trainings, countering defence inflation, developing emerging disruptive technologies and the need to prioritize counter-unmanned autonomous systems (C-UAS) in frontline states.
By focusing on these areas, the ECR Working Group on Defence and Security will play an important role in shaping a policy agenda that supports enhancing the operational capability of Member State Armed Forces, ensuring a qualitative military edge and reduced regulatory burdens.
