Seneste dokumenter

Resumé : Against the backdrop of Russia’s war against Ukraine, and the rapid battlefield adaptation that it has led to, defence innovation and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are being seen as key contributors to Europe’s industrial preparedness, production scalability and security of supply. To this end, recent European Union (EU) policy and financial initiatives have specifically targeted SMEs in the defence sector, to address the financial, regulatory and industrial bottlenecks facing SMEs in Europe. However, SMEs still face considerable challenges and barriers. This Study examines the evolving role of SMEs within the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB). It specifically analyses the persistent barriers preventing SMEs from entering the defence market in Europe, and, once present, from scaling their innovation, services and products. The Study argues that, despite the growing political recognition of SMEs as sources of technological and disruptive innovation, SMEs still face considerable financial, regulatory and political barriers to access the EDTIB.

Ekstern forfatter : Daniel FIOTT

Resumé : In December 2025, the European Commission published a communication entitled Strengthening EU economic security as a follow-up to its 2023 economic security strategy. Economic developments – whether related to trade, investment or industry – are increasingly viewed through the lens of security. From a foresight perspective, this development can be analysed as the result of three overlapping and partly reinforcing trends. The first is the weakening of a value-based approach to the economy, as exemplified by fair trade agreements and the EU Green Deal. The second is the rise of geo-economics, which places the interests of countries and regional blocks at the forefront, increasing the need for mitigating policies such as economic security. The third is the growing interaction between defence policy and economic policy, with military security influencing economic decisions and the defence sector growing in importance in the EU economy. This briefing argues that these combined trends are transforming the EU's economic policy and economy, and that the growing prominence of security as a guiding principle of economic and trade policies is bringing the question of EU strategic autonomy back to the centre of EU policy. Although the increasing importance of economic and defence security appears to be mutually reinforcing, with both trends potentially enhancing EU strategic autonomy, synergy between them is not a given. The raw materials and finances needed to reinforce the EU defence industrial base require a strong and open economy. However, concerns about foreign influence require economic decoupling from certain countries (e.g. Russia) and de-risking from others (e.g. China). Moreover, the EU faces unexpectedly difficult choices in its relations with the United States (US), where its dependence on US support in defence and security reduces its capacity to act independently as an economic player and rule-maker.

Stillere : DAMEN Mario

Stillere : SANDERSKI ANDRZEJ, SERPIERI Margherita

Resumé : The development of European Defence Projects of Common Interest (EDPCIs) represents a decisive step towards strengthening the EU’s crisis response, economic competitiveness and strategic autonomy. EDPCIs aim to overcome fragmented national defence efforts by promoting joint development, production and procurement of key military capabilities, enhancing the EU’s governance structure for defence investment. While earlier frameworks like the EDF, PESCO and CARD have achieved limited integration, EDPCIs could enable large-scale collaboration by pooling demand, streamlining supply chains and reinforcing the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base. Proposed flagship projects such as the Drone Initiative, Eastern Flank Watch, Air Shield, and Space Shield address urgent needs but face challenges of funding, technology gaps and diverging national planning cycles. Other potential EDPCIs, such as a Cyber Defence Shield, a Combat Cloud, Military Mobility Network or EU Command and Control could expand into critical enabler domains but also depend on balancing EU-level regulation and intergovernmental ownership and ensuring sustained financial and political backing. This study recommends a coherent governance framework, harmonised standards and inclusive industrial participation to sustain innovation. Ultimately, success will hinge on EDPCIs’ capacity to deliver credible capabilities and advance Europe’s goal of a resilient, autonomous and integrated defence posture.

Ekstern forfatter : Steven BLOCKMANS, Daniel FIOTT

Resumé : This study examines the political, economic, and regulatory barriers hindering the creation of a European single market for defence. Despite growing recognition within EU institutions of the need for integration to enhance efficiency, competitiveness, and readiness, progress remains constrained. Political obstacles — diverging threat perceptions, sovereignty concerns, reliance on the United States, and lessons from Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine — emerge as the primary impediments, shaping downstream economic fragmentation and limiting the impact of existing regulatory tools. Economically, the persistence of nationally segmented industries, duplication, and reluctance to aggregate demand undermine scale and interoperability, while many industrial actors remain neutral or sceptical of deeper integration. Regulatory frameworks such as the Defence Procurement Directive exist but are inconsistently applied due to Member States’ discretion and exemptions. The study highlights conceptual ambiguities surrounding the very definition of a 'single market for defence', which further complicates consensus–building. It concludes that political convergence is a prerequisite for meaningful progress and recommends mapping stakeholder perspectives, clarifying strategic priorities, harmonising standards, engaging stakeholders transparently, and incentivising demand aggregation as essential steps toward advancing integration.

Ekstern forfatter : Bence NEMETH, Andrew DORMAN, Anna UNGER

Resumé : On 21 October 2025, the European Commission under Ursula von der Leyen's second mandate adopted its work programme for 2026 (2026 CWP). In line with the Commission President's political guidelines and letter of intent and highlighting the need for full implementation of Mario Draghi's competitiveness report, the 2026 CWP places a strong emphasis on competitiveness, innovation and collective security. In parallel, the Commission commits to advancing simplification, implementation, and this year, also to strengthening enforcement. These three areas will remain key horizontal priorities for the entire Commission mandate. Just like last year's CWP, the 2026 CWP adheres to the seven headline ambitions put forward in the political guidelines. It is accompanied by a report on implementation, simplification and enforcement, the first of its kind. This new annual report is set to replace the annual burden survey. Annex I of the 2026 CWP puts forward 70 major new legislative and non-legislative initiatives, 44 % of which fall under the competitiveness headline ambition. (Up to) 48 of the new initiatives are legislative, including three sector-specific omnibus packages (on energy product legislation, taxation and citizens). Of the forthcoming legislative initiatives, 67 % are likely revisions of existing legislation, while more than half have a strong simplification dimension. Unlike previous CWPs, the 2026 CWP does not indicate whether a legislative initiative will be accompanied by an impact assessment; this lack of transparency runs counter to the spirit of the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making. Information on the Commission's 'Have your say' portal shows that, at the time of writing, two thirds of the up to 48 legislative initiatives were expected to be accompanied by an impact assessment (though the final number may be higher). The annual evaluation plan presented in Annex II of the CWP, comprising 20 evaluations, does not appear exhaustive. Finally, the communication on Better Regulation, expected in Q2 2026, may entail a revision of the Better Regulation Guidelines, the first since 2021.

Stillere : ANGLMAYER Irmgard, DALLI HUBERT, IOANNIDES Isabelle

Resumé : Although microelectronics have a significant role in modern life, their low visibility and complex value chain have contributed to concealing a decline in EU industry in the field. It is broadly assumed that microelectronics are designed in California and manufactured in Taiwan. What if the EU could take a particularly strategic position in this technology?

Stillere : GARCIA HIGUERA ANDRES

Resumé : The European Parliament is vested with powers of democratic oversight and political scrutiny vis-à-vis the European Commission. These powers of Parliament enhance the democratic legitimacy of the EU as a whole, and help increase the transparency and accountability of the Commission as the EU's executive body. This study examines Parliament's oversight and scrutiny powers over the Commission. It focuses mainly, but not exclusively, on the powers that are enshrined in specific provisions of the EU Treaties. This includes Parliament's role in the Commission's investiture, in motions of censure, parliamentary questions, committees of inquiry and special committees, and in the Commission's obligations to report, consult and inform. It also looks into Parliament's scrutiny over budgetary issues, of delegated acts, in the context of the EU legislative procedure and agenda-setting, of legal proceedings before the Court of Justice of the European Union, and of the EU's external relations. The study builds on a previous EPRS study on parliamentary scrutiny of the Commission, originally requested by the European Parliament's Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO) in 2018. The data presented in this edition focus on the ninth term parliamentary term (2019 to 2024).

Stillere : TENHUNEN Susanna, EISELE Katharina, AHAMAD MADATALI HANNAH NAFIZE, JANSEN Talander Hugo