European Parliament votes to accelerate defence investment and procurement

World Defenceeueuropean parliamentTop News European Parliament votes to accelerate defence investment and procurement The Eu's Defence Pillar And Turkey Relevant News Cyprus researchers detect microplastics in children’s urine for the first time 16 September 2026 Doctors linked to “suspicious” wellness clinics face checks, medical body warns 16 September 2026 European Parliament votes to accelerate defence investment and procurement 16 September 2026 Theodosis Pipis 16 September 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber The European Parliament today approved three legislative measures aimed at speeding up defence investment, simplifying procurement and strengthening the EU’s capacity to respond to security challenges. MEPs approved the package by large majorities. The measure to accelerate permits for defence-readiness projects passed with 540 votes in favour, 105 against and 22 abstentions. A second text on intra-EU transfers of defence-related products and simplified defence procurement was approved by 549 votes in favour, 92 against and 27 abstentions. The third measure, covering defence investment and conditions for the defence industry, received 530 votes in favour, 125 against and 12 abstentions. The three measures form part of the so-called “Omnibus V” package, a set of EU simplification measures designed to remove regulatory obstacles and accelerate the expansion of Europe’s defence industrial capacity. The Parliament and Council reached a provisional political agreement on the package on 10 June 2026. The legislation is intended to support up to €800 billion in defence investment over the next four years under the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030 initiative, while making it easier for EU member states and defence companies to respond to growing security requirements. Faster permits for defence projects According to the new rules that were voted today, one of the main changes concerns permits for defence-readiness projects, including the construction of new production facilities and the expansion of existing factories. Under the new rules, national authorities will generally have 42 working days to decide on a completed permit application. The deadline may be extended by up to 60 days on two occasions in exceptional circumstances, including particularly complex projects or cases involving environmental, health or worker-safety concerns. Even with extensions, the total permitting process should not exceed 102 working days. If authorities fail to act within the applicable deadline, the principle of tacit approval will apply. Authorities will then have eight working days to notify project promoters and specify any conditions attached to the approval. Member states will also be required to establish single points of contact for defence-project promoters. These offices will oversee applications, support small and medium-sized enterprises and report annually to the European Commission on permitting activity. Easier cross-border defence trade and procurement The second part of the package seeks to remove regulatory barriers affecting defence procurement and the movement of defence-related products between EU countries. The new rules introduce a general transfer licence for defence-related products, with member states required to publish the licences. The aim is to provide defence companies with a more predictable framework when transferring products across EU borders. The legislation also updates the threshold for EU defence-procurement rules, extends the maximum duration of framework agreements from seven to 10 years, and gives member states greater flexibility to undertake occasional joint procurement. What happens next The Parliament’s vote marks the next legislative step for the three Omnibus V files. The measures will enter into force on the 20th day after their publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. The European Parliament’s Legislative Observatory currently lists the three files as awaiting Parliament’s position in first reading following today’s plenary vote. The package is intended to reduce administrative delays and make it easier for EU countries and defence companies to expand production, procure equipment and cooperate across borders as the EU seeks to strengthen its defence readiness. 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