Regions: a driving force behind the European defence industry

The European Committee of the Regions' Working Group on Defence held its third meeting on 23 March 2026 in Brussels, bringing together representatives from NATO, the European Parliament, the EuropeanCommissionand the defence industry. The meeting focused on the latest EU initiatives aimed at bolstering the Union's security and resilience, with participants reaffirming the pivotal role of local and regional authorities in shaping a coherent and forward-looking European defence policy.

The ongoing war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, drone incursions into European airspace and persistent hybrid threats targeting EU infrastructure have placed security and defence at the top of the European political agenda. Recognising this, the Working Group on Defence of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) emphasised the importance of increasing EU defence production to guarantee the supply of equipment and capabilities amid potential global procurement crises.

Fernando López Miras (ES/EPP), President of the Region of Murcia and Chair of the Working Group on Defence, opened the meeting by noting that the European Union has entered a critical phase of defence integration and industrial mobilisation. He also emphasised that European defence cannot be built from the top down and must be rooted in the territorial realities of Europe's regions and cities, as managers of dual-use infrastructure and hubs of the defence industry. Similarly, Tadeusz Truskolaski (PL/EA), rapporteur for the EU Defence Industry Transformation Roadmap, identified that, to enhance the regions' economy and security, itis vital to make defence a central concern while ensuring local developmentremainsa priority.

Regions as frontline security actors

Christian Liflander, Head of the Defence Policy Section at NATO, expressed his concern about the ongoing instability in the Middle East, yet stressed that Russia remains the greatest threat. He praised the new defence-related legislative frameworks introduced by the European Union, such as the military mobility package, the defence omnibus, and the newly established financial instrument, Security Action for Europe (SAFE). Liflander also underscored the progress made in cooperation between NATO and the EU, highlighting the vital role of regions as frontline security actors.

Hans Das, theDeputy Director-Generalfor European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) of the European Commission explained that, as the complexity of the threats facing Europe increases, civil-military cooperation is essential and must evolve accordingly. Heemphasised the need for anticipation and preparedness to develop a comprehensive EU risks and threats assessment. Meanwhile, Adam Banaszak (PL/EA), rapporteur on the Union Civil Protection Mechanism, called for a substantial increase in resources from the EU and its regions, pointing out that only with adequate funding can the war be won.

During the meeting, participants also explored how regions can better utilise EU funds, encourage cross-border cooperation, and develop robust industrial ecosystems to boost Europe's defence technology and industry. In discussions on European space, Nadia Pellefigue (FR/PES), rapporteur for the EU Space Act, and Elena Donazzan (IT/ECR), Vice-Chair of the ITRE Committee of the European Parliament explained that space assets have become essential for managing crises, controlling borders, supporting military logistics, and detecting hybrid threats.

European Defence Agencybriefing

Prior to the afternoon meeting, the European Defence Agency briefed the members of the Working Group at its headquarters on how EU defence initiatives and regional actors could collaborate to strengthen Europe's defence ecosystem. Emphasis was placed on complementing national approaches with a more robust regional dimension, recognising the vital role of regions in fostering industrial cooperation, driving innovation, building resilience, and ensuring balanced territorial development.

Innovation emerged as a key priority, alongside the opportunity to draw lessons from leading actors such as Ukraine, whose experience in addressing contemporary security challenges provides valuable insights for Europe's defence sector.

Quote

Fernando López Miras (ES/EPP), President of the Region of Murcia and Chair of the Working Groupon Defence: "The European Union must act decisively to strengthen defence policy and reinforce its autonomy. The geopolitical context tells us that there is no time to lose. And that self-sufficiency depends on a strong and competitive European defence industry, technological sovereignty, and strategic autonomy. In achieving theseobjectives, regions and cities are a key and necessary element to reach the ambitious goal of reinforcing the European Defence Industrial and Technological Base, supporting our SMEs and promoting European cooperation. The participation of regions is crucial to building a defence industry capable of giving the European Union the strength and independence needed to have sufficient guarantees in the face of an uncertain international situation."

Background

• The Working Groupon Defence was established on 1 April 2025 by the Bureau of the European Committee of the Regions to reflect upon and promote the contribution of local and regional entities to the evolution of the European Union's security and defence architecture.

• The next meeting of the Working Group on Defence will take place on 16 June 2026 in Cartagena, Murcia, Spain.

Contact:

Víctor Moreno Morales deSetiénTel: +[email protected]

WiolettaWojewodzkaTel: +32 2 282 22 [email protected]