Defence industry needs joint action and stronger coordination to match EU security goals

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has adopted two new opinions warning that Europe’s defence ambitions risk falling short unless its industrial base becomes more integrated, better funded and easier to coordinate across Member States. 

Russia’s war against Ukraine and rising global tensions have brought defence back to the centre of the EU agenda. But Europe’s current system, built largely on national approaches, is no longer fit for purpose.

The opinions respond to recent European Commission initiatives aimed at strengthening EU defence policy and industry, the Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030 and the European Defence Industry Transformation Roadmap. These Commission proposals set out measures to make the EU fully defence-ready by 2030, improve joint procurement, address capability gaps, accelerate innovation, and reduce reliance on non-EU suppliers.

Overcome fragmentation in Europe’s defence system

For decades, defence policy and procurement have been handled at national level.  As a result, EU countries have developed and purchased equipment separately, leading to fragmentation. Today, Europe operates multiple different weapons systems that are often not compatible. 

The result is inefficiency, duplication and higher costs. It slows down production and weakens Europe’s ability to respond quickly to crises, while also increasing dependence on external suppliers for key technologies and components.

The EESC highlights that, while the Commission’s roadmaps set ambitious targets for EU-wide defence readiness, these can only succeed if fragmentation is addressed. To address this, the EESC points to the need for more joint action. Expanding joint procurement would reduce costs, improve interoperability and strengthen the European industrial base. The Committee also warns against national protectionism and calls for a more coordinated European approach to defence markets.

Strengthen Europe’s industrial and technological capacity

At the core of the EESC’s recommendations is the need to reinforce Europe’s defence industrial base so it can design, produce and maintain critical systems within the EU. This includes building stronger and more resilient supply chains, reducing reliance on external partners and investing in key capabilities across the full value chain.

At the same time, the transformation of the defence sector should benefit the wider economy. Sectors such as automotive and advanced manufacturing, whose technologies can also be used for defence, will be key contributors. Greater involvement of SMEs and start-ups is also needed to support innovation and growth.

Simplify rules and improve coordination across the EU

Structural bottlenecks continue to slow progress. Complex procedures, fragmented rules and limited coordination between EU and national initiatives make it difficult for companies to access defence markets, especially for the smaller ones.

The EESC calls for simpler and more harmonised rules, alongside better alignment between EU programmes and cooperation with NATO. It also supports the development of common standards and certification systems to make defence equipment compatible across Member States. In the longer term, this should lead to the creation of a genuine single market for defence equipment, improving transparency, efficiency and access for industry.

The opinions also highlight the need to improve military mobility across Europe by simplifying cross-border procedures and aligning transport and infrastructure rules so that equipment and personnel can move more quickly when needed.

Increase investment while protecting EU priorities

Funding remains a key challenge. The EESC warns that strengthening defence capabilities will require additional investment, including greater use of European financial tools and private capital.

At the same time, it warns that new defence spending should not come at the expense of existing EU programmes or broader policy priorities, including social, environmental and digital objectives. The defence policy must remain grounded in democratic accountability, transparency and civilian oversight to maintain public trust.

Develop skills and involve society in defence readiness

As production increases, the defence sector will need a larger and more skilled workforce. The EESC calls for coordinated efforts to develop skills, including training, reskilling and workforce mobility across sectors. It also sees an opportunity to help workers transition from other industries into defence-related roles, supported by education and lifelong learning initiatives.

Beyond industry, the Committee supports the 'whole-of-society' approach to defence readiness. This approach extends beyond traditional military action to include civil preparedness, public awareness, and private sector involvement in securing critical infrastructure, aiming to create a collective, proactive culture of security. 

EESC opinions:

• Roadmap for European Defence Readiness
• European defence industry transformation roadmap

The opinions provide concrete recommendations on how to implement the Commission’s roadmaps, stressing that without industrial coordination, simplified rules, and strategic investment, the EU risks failing to meet its defence objectives. (gb)