Aircraft
EC: Europe Must Develop Proper Defense Strategy
The European Commission wants to play a larger role in coordinating defense policy.
The European Commission wants to play a larger role in coordinating defense policy.

The European Commission has staked a claim to play a larger role in European defense industrial policy. In a “communication” released last month, the Commission suggested that European Union (EU) standards and certification apply to the industry’s projects and services; that joint research and development activity be stepped up; and that small businesses be boosted by “access to finance, information and other markets.” The Commission said that its new proposed strategy would lower the barriers between national defense markets; help the European defense industry become more competitive; and explore how dual-use technology, as well as the energy and space industries, could help the sector.