On 12 May, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, inaugurated the inaugural Strategic Dialogue with representatives from the European defence industry. This Dialogue underscored the vital importance of the European defence sector in ensuring security within a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment.
The President highlighted the necessity for Europe’s defence industry to enhance its capability for timely and large-scale responses. She acknowledged the significant strides made by the industry since the onset of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, particularly in terms of increasing production levels and establishing new manufacturing facilities.
Nevertheless, the President also addressed the persistent structural challenges that the industry faces, notably: Fragmentation on both the demand and supply sides, regulatory obstacles, access to raw materials, the need to keep pace with swift innovation cycles and shorten feedback loops, access to financing and availability of skilled labour, particularly in STEM fields.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to engaging in close collaboration with industry stakeholders. The President encouraged the industry to provide insights to inform upcoming initiatives, including the Defence Omnibus Package scheduled for presentation in June 2025. This package aims to streamline regulations concerning certification, permits, joint procurement frameworks, and other related matters.
Participants in the Dialogue engaged in constructive discussions regarding essential topics such as securing investments, enhancing defence industrial cooperation, promoting innovation and technological progress, ensuring supply chain security, and investing in skill development and workforce capacity. President von der Leyen, Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, and industry representatives agreed to maintain ongoing communication to further strengthen the European defence industrial base.
