Faster Permit Rules for Defence Readiness Projects
EU lawmakers reached a provisional agreement on 19 May 2026 to speed up permits for defence readiness projects. The new rules aim to cut red tape and make approval procedures faster and more consistent across the EU. The agreement was endorsed by EU Member States in Coreper on 17 June and was approved by the European Parliament's Joint Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE) and Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) on 24 June.
Why it matters for you: Projects linked to Europe's defence preparedness could move ahead more.
Under the agreement, permits must be granted within 42 working days. In exceptional and clearly defined cases, this can be extended by up to 60 additional working days.
If authorities do not respond within a maximum of 102 working days, the permit will automatically be considered approved. Exceptions apply if a project poses serious risks to human health or national security, supported by clear and verifiable evidence.
Why it matters for businesses: Companies involved in defence readiness projects could benefit from faster decisions, fewer administrative delays, and more predictable permit procedures across the EU.
In the European Parliament, the file is being handled jointly by the Internal Market Committee (IMCO) and the Security and Defence Committee (SEDE).
The plenary vote is expected to take place during the September session.