10 June 2026 13:59 UTC · European Commission · EU Commission Press Release · Source · Email X Link

European Commission welcomes provisional defence procurement reform agreement

Key points

Simplifies defence procurement and intra-EU transfers
Speeds permit decisions and eases access to European Defence Fund

TL;DR

Provisional political agreement to simplify security and defence procurement, facilitate defence investments, and support the defence industry.
Introduces a 42-working-day deadline for permit decisions with automatic approval if authorities do not respond; creates EU-wide licences and broader exemptions for intra-EU transfers.
Simplifies access to the European Defence Fund and clarifies how REACH chemical regulations apply to the defence sector; Regulations to enter formal adoption process.

Original text

European Commission - Press release EU agrees to accelerate defence industrial base ramp-up and simplify defence procurement Brussels, 10 June 2026 The European Commission welcomes the provisional political agreement reached today between the European Parliament and the Council of the EU to simplify security and defence procurement, facilitate defence investments and support the defence industry . The Commission proposed the defence omnibus a year ago, as part of the EU's simplification agenda to boost Europe's competitiveness. These measures directly address industry calls for faster, more flexible, and less burdensome defence industrial policies , strengthening Europe's security and industrial resilience. Today's agreement will facilitate the transfer of defence products within the EU . New EU-wide licences and broader exemptions from prior authorisation will make it simpler to transfer defence products across borders and help reduce delays. The agreement also intends to streamline defence procurement procedures for contracting authorities and industry. This will reduce administrative burden and help accelerate defence procurement. The provisional deal introduces faster permitting for defence projects , introducing a 42-working- day deadline for permit decisions and making approval automatic if authorities do not respond in time. This will help critical defence projects move forward more quickly. Finally, the agreement simplifies access to the European Defence Fund to improve implementation and simplify administrative requirements for applicants, in line with industry feedback. It also reduces legal uncertainty by clarifying how EU chemicals legislation applies to the defence sector . Next steps The Regulations will enter into the formal adoption process by the European Parliament and the Council over the coming weeks, to ensure their rapid entry into force. Background In June 2025, the Commission proposed the Defence Readiness Omnibus, a landmark package aligned with the White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030 . Designed to foster a defence- readiness mindset across the EU, the package strengthens defence investments, enabling Member States and industry to respond rapidly and effectively to escalating security threats. The package includes three key legislative files: A proposal for Regulation to accelerate permit-granting for defence-readiness projects. An amending Regulation covering the European Defence Fund (EDF) and REACH chemical regulations, ensuring greater alignment with defence needs. An amending Directive to streamline intra-EU transfers of defence products and defence procurement procedures. For more information Defence Readiness Omnibus - Defence Industry and Space IP/26/1332 Quote(s): "Europe’s security depends on our ability to act decisively, and that means removing barriers to innovation, speeding up defence production, and ensuring our industries can deliver when it matters most. This agreement is a critical step toward a more sovereign, resilient Europe. By simplifying rules for the European Defence Fund, cutting delays in permit approvals, and fostering cross-border collaboration, we are not only strengthening our defence capabilities but also safeguarding our technological edge. In an era of growing threats, this is how we turn policy into action, and ensure Europe remains a leader in security and democracy." Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy - 10/06/2026 "Today’s agreement on Defence Readiness Omnibus brings big change: Maximum 100 days to wait for defence industry permits instead of up to four years. Simpler procurement rules, smaller burdens. Small steps in rules, big steps in Defence Readiness. We will continue to defragment defence market." Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space - 10/06/2026 Press contacts: Thomas REGNIER (+32 2 29 91099) Marine STRAUSS (+32 2 29 89103) General public inquiries: Europe Direct by phone 00 800 67 89 10 11 or by email

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