The European Parliament has adopted a package of decisions to strengthen the European Union’s defence capabilities and accelerate weapons production.
As stated on the EP website, MEPs simplified defence procurement procedures and sped up the movement of military products within the bloc to deliver the weapons, drones, electronic warfare systems and ammunition needed by Europe and its allies more quickly.
In addition, the decision significantly reduces bureaucratic delays and the time needed to obtain permits to expand defence companies in the EU’s 27 countries. In MEPs’ view, Europe no longer has time for lengthy discussions and bureaucracy when Russia is shifting its economy onto a war footing, testing the EU’s borders with drones and threatening European security.
To strengthen cooperation with Ukraine, European Parliament deputies and member states agreed that costs related to conducting trials in Ukraine as a candidate country will be eligible for funding from the European Defence Fund, Ukrinform reports.
These proposals are intended to support defence investment of almost €800 billion over the next four years. This will enable EU members and Europe’s defence industry to respond better to growing security challenges.
In addition, MEPs propose introducing a single EU-wide baseline deadline for permit decisions for building defence enterprises or expanding existing production capacity: 42 working days from confirmation that an application is complete. As an exception (complex projects or risks to the environment, health or workers’ safety), the deadline will be extended, but by no more than 102 working days.
If national authorities do not take a decision within the set deadline, the principle of tacit consent will apply. EU states must also establish single points of contact. They will support defence projects, provide digital tracking of applications and assist small and medium-sized enterprises.
- Unused funds from the European defence programme SAFE will be directed to support Ukraine. They will be used to finance joint projects with Ukrainian defence companies, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.