Consultation to Support the Defence Omnibus Simplification Initiative

Accelerating Defence Industrial Growth: The European Council’s Push for Simplification

On 6 March 2025, the European Council issued a pivotal call to action that aims to remove long-standing bottlenecks within the defence industry. The Council urged the European Commission to expedite efforts to simplify the legal and administrative frameworks integral to public procurement, industry cooperation, and various regulatory requirements. This initiative focuses particularly on the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-cap companies, underscoring the necessity for a streamlined environment conducive to rapid growth and innovation within the defence sector.

The Defence-Specific Simplification Omnibus

In response to this call, the Commission promptly adopted the "White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030" on 19 March 2025. This significant document lays out a clear roadmap, highlighting that a dedicated Defence Omnibus Simplification proposal is scheduled for presentation by June 2025. According to the White Paper, regulatory simplification must not only address sector-specific issues but also evaluate the broader impact of EU policies that may inadvertently hinder the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB).

The emphasis is on the urgent need for the EDTIB to remain agile and responsive amidst shifting security demands across Europe. This aligns with ongoing geopolitical developments, making the ability to adapt and innovate crucial for national and collective security.

Ongoing Efforts: Collecting Input from Stakeholders

To ensure a comprehensive and informed approach, the Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) is actively gathering insights from a wide range of stakeholders. This includes not only Member States but also industry players—from large corporations to smaller enterprises—and other relevant entities such as the financial sector. The key aims of this evidence-gathering initiative include the removal of regulatory barriers, simplification of procurement processes, and enhancement of the European Defence Fund (EDF) operational framework.

To contribute to this discussion, stakeholders are encouraged to participate in a survey aimed at identifying specific regulatory challenges and providing actionable solutions. The survey will remain open until 22 April 2025, allowing ample time for a diverse range of voices to be heard.

Who is Encouraged to Participate?

The consultation is particularly important for anyone involved in the defence industry—whether you are a manufacturer, service provider, or intermediary facilitating transactions within the sector. Additionally, input from Member States and stakeholders with financial interests in defence projects is also essential. By pooling a wide array of perspectives, the European Commission aims to construct a robust understanding of existing obstacles.

Best Practices for Responding to the Consultation

Participants in the consultation are urged to be specific and concrete in their responses. Here are some best practices for crafting meaningful contributions:

• Identify Specific Problems: Contributors should clearly articulate well-defined issues they face, linking them to particular existing provisions in EU regulations.
• Highlight Defence Sector Relevance: It’s crucial to explain why certain challenges are unique to the defence sector, bolstering arguments with specific examples that delineate these industry-specific hurdles.
• Estimate Cost Savings: Participants are encouraged to estimate potential cost savings that could be realized through regulatory simplification—this not only supports the rationale for change but also demonstrates the tangible benefits of project implementation.
• Focus on Relevant Questions: Respondents should ensure they are only addressing questions that pertain to their unique experiences and expertise. This targeted approach will enhance the quality and relevance of the feedback.

Overcoming Challenges and Seeking Help

For those encountering difficulties with the questionnaire or requiring further assistance, the European Commission has set up dedicated contact points within the DG DEFIS team. Engaging directly with the simplification initiative will help ensure that contributions are effectively considered and addressed.

The European defence landscape is entering a transformative phase as regulatory simplification takes precedence. By streamlining procedures, the EU aims to create an environment where defence firms—particularly SMEs and mid-caps—can thrive, fostering innovation and ensuring that Europe remains at the forefront of global defence capabilities.

As the deadline for the consultation approaches, all stakeholders are encouraged to step up and voice their insights, ensuring that the future of European defence is not only robust but also resilient and responsive to evolving security needs.