EU plans to beef up its defence sector have been welcomed.
The White Paper on defence states that “Europe faces an acute and growing threat.”
It says, “The only way we can ensure peace is to have the readiness to deter those who would do us harm.”
“We have many strong foundations such as our potential to unleash vast resources and latent technological and industrial power. But we are also starting from a position in which our defence readiness has been weakened by decades of under-investment.”
The plans have taken on more urgency in the wake of the ongoing war in Ukraine and perceived threats elsewhere.
The President of the European Committee of the Regions Kata Tüttő, and the CoR rapporteur on the European defence industry and President of Murcia, Fernando Lopez Miras, have both welcomed the white paper.
It was published on Wednesday by the European Commission.
The two CoR officials stressed the role of local and regional authorities for Europe’s safety and resilience as well as the contribution provided by Cohesion Policy in delivering security for all citizens.
They also point out that the objective of reinforcing Europe’s defence capacities requires appropriate additional resources.
Kata Tüttő (HU/PES) said: “I welcome the European Commission’s White Paper on Defence, which rightly acknowledges that Cohesion Policy is already a pillar of European security – far beyond military defence.”
“True resilience depends on strong cohesive regions: economically, socially, environmentally, and institutionally.”
“A strong Europe must be strong both on the outside and the inside, ensuring that Europe’s security cannot come at the cost of its territorial and social cohesion. It is now key to secure new resources for defence and resilience, rather than diverting existing cohesion funds.”
Lopez Miras (ES/EPP), CoR rapporteur on the opinion on “A Strong European Defence Industry”, said: “We are all necessary to meet the level of preparedness and response to the EU security and defence challenges, and regions can help.”
“Under our competences and capabilities, in close collaboration with Member States and the European Commission, regions can and must make a meaningful contribution.”
“This can be done by:
assuming our share of this strategic responsibility:
expanding and strengthening the defence ecosystem;
working for skills to match the industry needs;
promoting smart specialisation within the European value chains;
and, raising awareness with industry and citizens.”
He added, “Future EU defence programmes must involve regions in the efforts to strengthen the EU defence industry ecosystem.”
