Russia can only be stopped by strength and high European readiness for any conflict / day

As LETA informed the EC Representation in Latvia, the EC on Tuesday issued a proposal aimed at simplifying the rules and speeding up investments in strengthening EU defense capabilities.

« Omnibus of Defense Readiness » includes concrete proposals for Member States and defense industry to increase capacity faster and more coordinated, strengthen infrastructure and adapt to modern security challenges.

Dombrovskis points out that the EU’s main task is unchanged – to ensure peace in Europe, but it cannot be ignored that the world is changing, and « we live in anxious times, as evidenced by the Russian cruel war in Ukraine and the threats opened by its officials to the EU and NATO members. » The Commissioner emphasizes that there is no panic space in this situation, instead acting decisively, increasing military production and defense capabilities of EU Member States.

Dombrovskis recalls that the EU is already committed to mobilizing about EUR 800 billion in its defense industry and ability to develop over the next four years. « It is important that these funds are used quickly and as efficiently as possible, laying the foundations for a single market for EU military goods and services, » says the Commissioner, emphasizing that today’s proposals are aimed at reducing obstacles and bureaucracy that could interfere with this goal.

For example, the EC offers to reduce the time of receipt of military objects and plants from several years, as in practice now, up to two months.

The EC also proposes to simplify the EU standards for military procurement, facilitate military goods from one EU country to another, and to promote our banks and investors invest in defense companies and projects.

Dombrovskis notes that so far several Latvian companies have already successfully competed in competitions for the European Defense Fund funding. « The good news is that we are also reducing bureaucracy for companies that will want to apply for the Fund’s funds in the future, » the Commissioner says.

As reported, the EC on Tuesday presented proposals for reducing bureaucracy in the area of ​​defense to simplify the EU, national and private funds for the EU defense industry.

War in Ukraine and concerns about US reliability under President Donald Trump have prompted Europe to increase the production of armaments.

« The only way to ensure peace in Europe is to make sure we are ready to protect ourselves, » stressed EU Defense Commissioner Andrew Kubilius. He pointed out that the EC had made ambitious proposals to reduce bureaucracy.

The EC wants to shorten time for defense projects for permits from several years, as is now up to 60 days.

A high -ranking official cited the ammunition testing plant as an example, which must comply with countless environmental, health and safety rules. « It can take up to three or four years, » the official said.

The bloc is also aimed at facilitating companies access to EU funding and making more clear investment rules that have so far been often discouraged by active managers to invest money in the defense industry.

EC proposals will now be considered by EU Member States and legislators.