Renew Europe backs fast-track defence permits to strengthen European security
Renew Europe welcomes the adoption today of new rules to accelerate permits for defence infrastructure projects, a reform that we strongly support to enhance Europe's readiness while maintaining safety standards.
"With Putin's war at our borders and Trump's unpredictability, Parliament sent a clear signal today: speed is everything. Europe must be able to move faster, so that critical defence projects don't get blocked by national bureaucracy,"
Lucia YarRenew Europe MEP, Slovakia, Progresívne Slovensko
declared Renew MEP Lucia Yar (Progressive Slovakia, Slovakia), co-rapporteur on the file.
Currently, building essential defence facilities - from manufacturing plants to training centres - faces lengthy, fragmented approval processes. The new regulation creates a unified fast-track system with significantly shorter deadlines, processed through a single national contact point.
"By putting a strong but carefully framed system of tacit approval at the heart of this regulation, we ensure that when authorities fail to decide on time, crucial projects can still move forward. At the same time, we set precise conditions for limited extensions in truly exceptional cases and added extra safeguards to prevent abuse. This balanced approach will push Member States to accelerate permits, give industry greater predictability, and help deliver the capabilities that strengthen our citizens’ security."
Lucia YarRenew Europe MEP, Slovakia, Progresívne Slovensko
Lucia Yar explained.
''This Regulation will get defence projects moving faster without compromising our standards, level the playing field, and give investors greater certainty. By cutting unnecessary bureaucratic delays, it puts Europe on the fast track to full defence readiness. Europe cannot afford any further delays.''
Nikola MinchevRenew Europe MEP, Bulgaria, We continue the change – Democratic Bulgaria
emphasized Renew MEP Nikola Minchev (We continue the change, Bulgaria),
Parliament also demands rigorous monitoring through annual reports.
"I'm also glad our position secured broad cross-party support today, giving Parliament a strong mandate for negotiations with the Council,"
Lucia YarRenew Europe MEP, Slovakia, Progresívne Slovensko
Lucia Yar concluded.