Parliament backs new measures to strengthen Europe’s defence readiness

The package of legislative proposals, forming part of the so-called “Omnibus V” EU simplification measures, were informally agreed between EP and Council negotiators on 10 June 2026. It is intended to accelerate the approval of permits for defence-related projects and the export of defence equipment between EU countries. It also seeks to simplify security and defence procurement procedures and EU cooperation on defence contracts, ensure that EU chemical regulations adequately reflect defence requirements, and simplify the implementation of the European Defence Fund (EDF).

The proposals are designed to support up to €800 billion in defence investment over the next four years under the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030 initiative, enabling member states and the defence industry to better respond to growing security challenges.

Acceleration of permit-granting for defence readiness projects 

For the acceleration of permit-granting procedures for defence projects, such as the construction of new factories or the expansion of existing facilities, the new rules will introduce an EU-wide default period for permit decisions of 42 working days (as of the acknowledgement of a completed application). National authorities will be able to extend the time limit a maximum of two times by up 60 days in exceptional circumstances, e.g. for complex projects or where there are risks to the environment or the health and safety of workers and additional time is necessary to resolve them. In those cases, the total duration of the permit-granting process shall not exceed 102 working days.

Such extensions will be communicated to the project promoter, accompanied by an explanation and an expected decision date. If national authorities do not follow up by the applicable deadline, the principle of tacit approval should apply. National authorities should then inform project promoters within eight working days from the expiry of the deadline and specify the requirements which the permits are subject to.

Under the new rules, EU countries will have to establish single points of contact for defence project promoters, tasked with the digital tracking of applications, annual reporting to the Commission on permit activity and SME support, and EU monitoring of tacit approvals to ensure transparency and consistent implementation.

Intra-EU transfers of defence-related products and simplified procurement

The agreement also includes measures to remove regulatory obstacles to facilitate and accelerate public procurement in defence and intra-EU transfers of defence-related products.

The rules introduce a new general transfer licence for defence-related products that should make it easier for defence companies to operate across EU borders. Member states will be required to publish these licences, giving industry a more predictable framework for intra-EU transfers.

On defence procurement, legislators agreed to update and raise the threshold for the application of EU procurement rules, extend the maximum duration of framework agreements from seven to ten years, and introduce greater flexibility for member states to conduct occasional joint procurement.

Parliament and Council also adopted a joint statement committing to examine in the future any initiative aimed at simplifying the transfer of defence products and ensuring that the European defence technological and industrial base (EDTIB) can be strengthened through the EU regulatory framework for defence procurement.

Facilitating defence investments and conditions for defence industry

The new rules are intended to simplify the management and implementation of the European Defence Fund (EDF). They update and clarify the list of award criteria that defence projects must meet to obtain EDF funding, prioritising – as proposed by MEPs – projects showcasing the highest standards of excellence, quality and efficiency.

The reform updates the provisions related to increased funding under the EDF, both for eligible actions and funding rates, to enable further financial support be given to activities involving small- and medium size enterprises (SMEs). At the request of MEPs, the agreement extends the increased funding under the EDF to actions developed in the context of a Structure for European Armament Programme (SEAP), which was established as part of the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP). To strengthen cooperation with Ukrainian entities, MEPs and member states agreed that costs related to testing in EU candidate country Ukraine will be eligible for EDF funding.

Finally, under the new law EU countries will be able to apply certain exemptions to EU environmental and chemical regulations in the interest of defence, when justified.

Votes results

The text on the acceleration of permit-granting for defence readiness projects was approved by 540 votes in favour, 105 against with 22 abstentions.

The text on intra-EU transfers of defence-related products and simplified procurement was approved by 549 votes in favour, 92 against with 27 abstentions.

The text on facilitating defence investments and conditions for defence industry was approved by 530 votes in favour, 125 against with 12 abstentions.

Quotes

You can read the statements by committee chairs and rapporteurs following the vote.

Next steps

The new rules will enter into force on the twentieth day following that of their publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.