Towards a more competitive and efficient European defence and security sector

EU News 349/2013

Brussels, 24 July 2013
IP/13/734

A more influential Europe needs a strong and active common foreign and security policy, which in turn demands a more competitive and efficient defence and security sector. The successive waves of cuts in defence budgets and the persisting fragmentation of defence markets in Europe threaten Europe’s capacity to sustain effective defence capabilities and a competitive defence industry. This also jeopardises Europe’s capacity to meet the new security challenges in an autonomous and effective way. This is why the European Commission has presented today a Communication which contains an Action Plan to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of Europe’s defence and security sector. The Communication foresees measures to strengthen the internal market for defence, to promote a more competitive defence industry and to foster synergies between civil and military research. Besides these, the Communication also explores options in other areas such as energy, space and dual-use capabilities. The Commission invites Heads of State and Government to discuss this Communication at the European Council in December 2013, together with the report prepared by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. (MEMO/13/722)

Source and additional information:
http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-13-734_en.htm?locale=en

Antonio Tajani Date: 24/07/2013 Reference: P-023802/00-05 Location: Brussels - EC/Berlaymont (C)EU, 2013 URL

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