Tackling barriers to the single market for defence
TA-10-2026-0079 · P10_TA(2026)0079 · PE778.252
- Adopted in plenary on · Adopted 393–169–67 · See the decision →
- Full procedure 2025/2143
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This resolution addresses barriers to a single market for defence, urging Member States and EU institutions to act on both supply and demand sides.¶¶¶ It calls for regulatory simplification, harmonised application of rules, mutual recognition of certifications, and reduced reliance on non-EU suppliers.¶¶¶ It stresses the need for sufficient funding, a 'buy European' approach, and integration of Ukraine into the defence market.¶¶¶ It proposes new instruments like a defence innovation accelerator and a defence single market scoreboard.¶¶
Key points
- Calls for a true single market for defence to improve competitiveness, resilience, and strategic autonomy, urging Member States to overcome nationalist reflexes.¶¶
- Deplores lack of coordinated capability planning and mutual trust, leading to fragmentation and inefficient spending.¶¶
- Concerned about misuse of Article 346 TFEU and calls for a Commission recommendation for its harmonised interpretation.¶¶
- Urges a 'buy European' approach prioritising EDTIB, Ukraine, EEA/EFTA, and Security and Defence Partnership countries.¶
- Calls for revision of Directive 2009/81/EC and improved implementation, including use of framework contracts and innovation partnerships.¶
- Calls for simplification of intra-EU transfers, mutual recognition of security clearances, and harmonisation of export controls.¶¶
- Demands strengthening supply chain resilience, diversification, and strategic stockpiles, with focus on defence needs in Critical Raw Materials Act.¶¶
- Calls for guidance on merger control and targeted block exemption for defence R&D, treating security of supply as positive criterion.¶
- Proposes a European defence innovation accelerator and an intellectual property regime tailored to defence.¶
- Calls for EU-NATO cooperation on standards and a harmonised EU framework for technical standards and certification.¶
- Calls for skills strategies, talent pipelines, and inclusion of defence in Union of Skills agenda.¶
- Calls for a defence single market scoreboard and central role for Parliament in oversight.¶¶
Who is affected
- Member States: urged to adopt 'buy European' approach, simplify transfers, and strengthen EDA.¶¶¶
- Defence industry, including SMEs: targeted support for innovation, access to capital, and cross-border cooperation.¶¶
- Ukraine: to be treated as integral part of single market for defence.¶
- EDA: role to be strengthened in promoting single market and facilitating mutual recognition.¶¶