The EPP-CoR Group welcomes the European Commission’s White Paper on Defence emphasising their pivotal role in enhancing Europe’s security and resilience. Fernando López Miras, President of Murcia and rapporteur for the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) on the opinion A Strong European Defence Industry, highlighted the indispensable contribution of regions in addressing the EU’s defence challenges.
López Miras stated, "We are all necessary to meet the level of preparedness and response to the EU security and defence challenges. And regions can help. Under our competences and capabilities, in close collaboration with Member States and the European Commission, regions can and must make a meaningful contribution, assuming our share of this strategic responsibility: expanding and strengthening the defence ecosystem, working for skills to match the industry needs, promoting smart specialisation within the European value chains, and raising awareness with industry and citizens."
Earlier today, Sari Rautio, President of the EPP-CoR Group, attended the EPP Summit in Brussels, during which a statement on European Defence and Security was adopted. The statement underscores the role of regional defence industrial ecosystems in strengthening the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) and supporting SMEs, universities, and research centres that generate employment, drive prosperity, and contribute to specialisation while reducing fragmentation. This aligns with López Miras' call for greater regional involvement in the European defence industry ecosystem, reinforcing the importance of collaboration at all levels to ensure Europe's strategic security.
In his opinion adopted by the CoR on 20 February 2025, López Miras underscored the necessity for increased funding to bolster the EU’s defence industry, especially as the European Commission prepares its proposal for the long-term budget beyond 2027. He advocated for enhanced collaboration with sub-national levels to strengthen existing regional clusters and the European defence supply chains.
Investment in Defence and Security R&D
López Miras who serves as EPP-CoR Group Vice-President has earlier this month announced that the Regional Government of Murcia will offer grants of up to €300,000 to regional SMEs and large companies with production centres in the region, aimed at developing R&D projects related to defence and security technologies. A total of €3 million will be invested through this measure, strengthening the local defence industry and reinforcing Murcia’s role in the European security ecosystem.
The Role of Local and Regional Authorities in the EU’s Defence Strategy
The White Paper on Defence serves as a strategic framework to identify defence investment needs and build a European Defence Union. It aims to strengthen the EU’s ability to respond to evolving threats, particularly in the context of ongoing geopolitical challenges. The active involvement of local and regional authorities, as advocated by López Miras, is crucial in ensuring the successful implementation of the EU’s defence strategy, fostering a collaborative approach to Europe’s security and resilience.