On Monday, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from four committees approved proposals to accelerate defence investment and enhance the EU’s responsiveness to security challenges, as part of the “Omnibus V” package aimed at simplifying EU legislation.
These proposals seek to expedite the approval process for defence project permits and the export of defence equipment within the EU. They also aim to streamline security and defence procurement, accommodate defence needs in EU chemical regulations, and facilitate the European Defence Fund. This initiative could enable up to €800 billion in defence investment over the next four years under the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030.
MEPs propose a default time limit of 50 working days for permit decisions, with extensions of up to 25 or 50 days for larger or exceptionally complex projects. If deadlines are not met, tacit approval should be applied. They also recommend establishing single points of contact for defence project promoters and digital tracking of applications to enhance transparency.
To simplify intra-EU transfers of defence products, MEPs support more exemptions to licensing schemes and the use of general transfer licenses for innovation. They also advocate for a more straightforward negotiated procedure for urgent procurements and suggest limiting components from outside the EU to 35% of the final product’s cost.
Additionally, proposals to simplify reporting requirements for the European Defence Fund are backed to encourage participation from SMEs and mid-sized businesses, while clarifying that fund projects can be tested in Ukraine.
The text on the acceleration of permit-granting for defence readiness projects was approved by 62 votes in favour, six against, with 11 abstentions.
The text on intra-EU transfers of defence-related products and simplified procurement was approved by 59 votes in favour, 13 against, with seven abstentions.
The text on facilitating defence investments and conditions for the defence industry was approved by 137 votes in favour, 30 against, with 21 abstentions.
The Parliament’s plenary will need to endorse these positions before negotiations with the incoming Cypriot Presidency of the Council can begin.
