Paris, 3 November 2009 – Meeting in Paris today, the Technological and Aerospace Committee of the European Security and Defence Assembly (ESDA) adopted a draft parliamentary report to be submitted to the Assembly’s upcoming plenary session to be held from 1 to 3 December. The report on “Strengthening the European Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) – reply to the annual report of the Council” was presented by Claire CURTIS-THOMAS MP (United Kingdom, Socialist Group) and Edward O’HARA MP (United Kingdom, Socialist Group). The EDTIB was also the subject of a seminar organised by the Assembly in cooperation with the Swedish EU Presidency on 29 October last in Stockholm (see Assembly press release No. 43 of 2 November 2009).

The report describes the valuable role played by the European Defence Agency (EDA) in providing coordination and impetus for the EDTIB and analyses the communications and directives issued by the European Commission in this domain. It also looks at action taken by the Agency in support of European defence equipment manufacturers.

The draft recommendation, adopted unanimously, considers the impact of the global economic crisis on defence budgets and investments in defence and research and technological development (R&TD) programmes in the medium term. The Rapporteurs deplore the fact that in the face of the crisis a number of states have taken protectionist measures. While such an approach is understandable and legitimately helps maintain national capabilities, it nevertheless reduces the share of investment that could go to collaborative programmes and projects and perpetuates the dispersal and fragmentation of capabilities within the European Union. During the debate Philippe MONFILS (Belgium, Liberal Group) underlined that “launching joint programmes is the only solution for the future”.

The Rapporteurs particularly welcome the increasing role of the European Defence Agency as the central framework for shaping a European defence R&TD policy. They nevertheless underline the fact that the Agency does not have the financial means available to the member states, not even the poorest. Its budget for 2009 is only 30 million euros, 8 million of which is allocated to producing technical studies.

They recognise the key role of the European Commission in developing rules aimed at making defence procurement and intra-EU transfers of defence equipment and technology more open and transparent.

They feel that the Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD), whose President took part in hearings before members of the Assembly earlier this year (see Assembly press release No. 9 of 24 March 2009), should be more involved in decisions taken upstream by the states. They also deem it necessary to step up initiatives aimed specifically at developing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the defence sector.

The Assembly calls on the EU member states to maintain the current budget – failing the possibility to increase it – for defence equipment and technology. It also invites the European states to cooperate more closely in defining and harmonising common needs in order to promote interoperability among their forces which are often deployed together in external operations.

If you wish to attend the debate on this report and the vote on the draft recommendation at the Assembly’s plenary session at the Palais d’Iéna in Paris from 1 to 3 December, please contact Assembly Press Counsellor Corine Caballero-Bourdot (ccaballero@assembly.weu.int).