President von der Leyen has inaugurated the first Strategic Dialogue with representatives of the European Defence Industry, emphasizing its vital role in European security amid evolving geopolitical challenges. The President highlighted the industry’s capacity to respond swiftly and at scale, particularly since Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, while also noting ongoing structural challenges such as demand and supply fragmentation, regulatory barriers, access to raw materials, rapid innovation cycles, finance access, and skilled labor shortages.
The Commission pledged continued collaboration with industry stakeholders to tackle these issues. President von der Leyen invited industry feedback to shape forthcoming initiatives like the Defence Omnibus package due in June 2025. This package aims to streamline regulations related to certification, permits, joint procurement frameworks, and other matters.
Participants discussed securing investments, enhancing industrial cooperation, fostering innovation and technological advancement, securing supply chains, and workforce development. President von der Leyen and Commissioner Kubilius agreed with sector representatives to maintain close contact for further strengthening of the European defence industrial base.
A robust European defence industry is crucial for the continent’s security and competitiveness. It supports 800,000 jobs directly or indirectly while boosting exports and driving civilian-beneficial innovations. The Commission’s Readiness 2030 plan seeks to fortify this base by unlocking €800 billion in investment through incentivizing joint procurement and ensuring more defense spending stays within Europe.
Arianna Podesta serves as Deputy Chief Spokesperson for this initiative.
