Tuesday's proposal is yet another in a series of simplifications aimed at improving the EU's global competitiveness. At the same time, there is at least an equally heavy side purpose: to get increased momentum for defense investments in Europe.
– This is a win-win-win situation: It gives us stronger defense, greater independence and a more robust European economy, says Henna Virkkunen, EU Commissioner for technical independence, security and democracy, at a press conference.
The proposals come after various reports on how industrial expansion and training areas have become stuck in slow processes.
Among other things, it is proposed that defense-related permits be collected to one instance in each member state so that no one needs to be bounced between different authorities. Defense purposes should be reason enough to grant exemptions and deviations from various environmental regulations. A clear list will also be drawn up of which weapons are not considered sustainable – so that investors and funds can thereby invest money in everything else.
