Conference The Role of Industry in Building European Defence Capabilities
On Wednesday, April 9, the North East Flank (NEF) platform hosted a conference on "The Role of Industry in Building European Defence Capabilities" at the European Parliament, organized by the Confederation of Czech Industries and CEBRE, and attended by a number of European leaders, including Czech representatives - MEPs Alexander Vondra, Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic to the EU Vladimir Bärtl, and Government Plenipotentiary for Ukraine Tomas Kopecny.
"The current debate is not about competitiveness; it is about survival. If we want to ensure security and resilience and gain a technological edge, we must significantly improve the business climate in the EU. It is necessary to remove barriers in the single market, fundamentally simplify bureaucracy, including existing legislation, improve access to capital, and stop the flood of new regulations. These steps will motivate the entire business ecosystem - from startups to traditional industry," says Milena Jaburkova, Vice President of the Confederation of Czech Industries.
Confederation of Industry presented its position on the recently published Joint White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030 at the conference. In its position paper, it welcomes the effort to strengthen European defense capability and resilience, and the document mentions areas that are opportunities for industrial companies' involvement.
Without the active involvement of industry—including small and medium-sized companies—Europe will not be strong and safe, well prepared for possible crises, or able to defend itself effectively. The defense sector needs mining companies, steel mills, the chemical industry, transport, technology, services, and software. It must be able to protect cyberspace and key infrastructure and secure supplies of fuel, energy, and other raw materials.
The Confederation of Industry draws attention to the need to secure investments in key technologies and innovations, access to capital, and conditions for expanding production capacities, in particular, the need for:
Fundamental simplification of the European business environment (single market, capital market, deregulation, reduction of bureaucracy)
Competitive conditions for research and development of defense and dual-use technologies
Ensuring the availability of the necessary knowledge, human resources, and education in strategic areas
Practical cooperation between business, academia, and the public sector
Develop cooperation with reliable partners. Despite strengthening European capacities, the industry will continue to be able to obtain materials and equipment from countries outside the EU. Diversification of supply chains reduces vulnerability and strengthens resilience.
Using practical experience from the war in Ukraine in creating policies and programs in the field of defense and crisis preparedness
"Czech industry is ready to be part of the solution. However, close dialogue and partnership cooperation within the Czech Republic and with European institutions is needed, also outside the defense industry. Companies develop and produce solutions and technologies necessary in crisis situations, managing many important assets and services that form the backbone of society's resilience. Their expertise, innovation, and ability to ensure continuity in supply chains, infrastructure, and essential services make them indispensable partners in building a safer and more prepared Europe," emphasized Jaburkova.
Europe's future defense capability and resilience for the coming years are being decided right now.
"Europe is facing the most serious security situation in decades. Russia poses a direct threat, traditional partners are changing their priorities, and hybrid attacks have become an everyday reality. In such an environment, we urgently need to strengthen defense capabilities and get the European defense industry back on its feet. The European Union has the tools and the financial means at its disposal – but without real cooperation with companies and removing unnecessary regulations, this will not work. We must also act together across member states because this is the only way we can succeed in today's geopolitical situation," said Vladimir Bärtl, Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic to the EU.