Defence Guides

EC proposals to boost Europe's defences against cyber-attacks - guide by EUbusiness — last modified 30 September 2010, 19:39 CET

The European Commission today unveiled two new measures to ensure that Europe can defend itself from attacks against its key information (IT) systems. A proposal for a Directive to deal with new cyber crimes, such as large-scale cyber attacks, is complemented by a proposal for a Regulation to strengthen and modernise the European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA). The two initiatives are foreseen by the Digital Agenda for Europe and the Stockholm Programme to boost trust and network security. Under the proposed Directive, the perpetrators of cyber attacks and the producers of related and malicious software could be prosecuted, and would face heavier criminal sanctions. Member States would be also obliged to quickly respond to urgent requests for help in the case of cyber-attacks, rendering European justice and police cooperation in this area more effective. Strengthening and modernising ENISA would also help the EU, Member States and private stakeholders develop their capabilities and preparedness to prevent, detect and respond to cyber-security challenges. Both proposals will be forwarded to the European Parliament and the EU's Council of Ministers for adoption.

EU proposal for a new policy package on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) security - briefing by EUbusiness — last modified 24 June 2009, 21:50 CET

The European Commission has today adopted a policy package on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) security. The core of the package is an EU Action Plan on Countering CBRN Threats. The aim of the proposed policy is to strengthen the protection of EU citizens from these threats.

EU naval operation against piracy - (EU NAVFOR Somalia - Operation ATALANTA) by EUbusiness — last modified 15 June 2009, 12:27 CET

Since 8 December 2008 the European Union has been conducting a military operation to help deter, prevent and repress acts of piracy and armed robbery off the coast of Somalia. This military operation, named EU NAVFOR Somalia - Operation ATALANTA, was launched in support of Resolutions 1814, 1816, 1838 and 1846 which were adopted in 2008 by the United Nations Security Council.

European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) in Georgia by EUbusiness — last modified 22 September 2008, 12:14 CET

The European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) in Georgia is an autonomous mission led by the EU under the European security and defence policy. Its objectives are to contribute to stability throughout Georgia and the surrounding region.

EU defence procurement - guide by EUbusiness — last modified 05 December 2007, 18:21 CET

The European Commission wants to introduce specific rules for procurement in the defence sector. These rules will be better suited to the specificities of the defence sector and will facilitate cross-border procurement of Member States. Up until now, the vast majority of defence procurement contracts have been exempted from the rules of the Single Market on the basis of Article 296 of the Treaty. This practice stands in contrast to the case law of the Court of Justice and hampers the openness of defence markets between Member States. The same problem exists, albeit less prominently, for sensitive non-military security equipment. One of the reasons for this is that current EU procurement rules, which apply also to defence and security procurement, are ill-suited to most defence and security equipment. In order to improve this situation, the Commission is now proposing a new Directive, tailor-made for defence and security. Member States will then have at their disposal Community rules they can apply to complex and sensitive procurements without putting at risk legitimate security interests. This will make the regulatory framework for defence more efficient and improve the openness of defence and security markets between Member States.

Cutting red tape in EU defence industry - guide by EUbusiness — last modified 05 December 2007, 17:54 CET

The European Commission wants to tackle obstacles to cross frontier trade in defence related products within the EU, thereby facilitating cross-border procurement of Member States’ armed forces and industrial cooperation in Europe. So far, the circulation of defence related products within the internal market is constrained by a web of heterogeneous and disproportionate national licensing procedures. By streamlining those procedures, today’s proposal will contribute to make European defence industries more competitive and improve conditions for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises' (SMEs) participation in armament development and production. In addition, it should enable Member States to meet military needs at lower cost and enhance security of supply for public procurement and industrial cooperation. To preserve the overall prevailing level of security interests’ protection, the facilitation of intra-EU transfers has been complemented by mutual confidence-building measures, notably guarantees for the protection of national security in case of re-exportation to third countries.