24 Sep 2025
ITRE backs proposed measures to boost EU support for security and defence technology investments
On 24 September 2025, the European Parliament's Industry, Research and Energy Committee (ITRE) adopted draft legislation to increase funding for defence-related investment by amending existing EU programmes - the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), Horizon Europe, the European Defence Fund (EDF), the Digital Europe programme (DEP) and the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). The legislation is part of the ReArm Europe Plan.
Amongst other measures, with regard to Horizon Europe, ITRE backed the Commission’s proposal to support civil applications with potential military applications (dual use). Funding rates in the European Defence Fund, will be increased for SMEs and small mid-caps, allowing up to 100% EU co-financing for eligible projects.
The draft legislation was adopted with 63 votes to five, with four abstentions. MEPs also voted to open negotiations with Council with 64 votes to five, with three abstentions. The full parliamentary plenary will have to be notified of the decision before negotiations with the Council of Ministers can start.
The European Commission’s proposal had been presented on 22 April 2025, aiming to boost defence-related investments within the EU budget as part of the ReArm Europe Plan. In response to escalating geopolitical threats, the text seeks to strengthen the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) with funding coming from existing budgets. It follows the Joint White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030, aiming to enhance the EU’s strategic autonomy and competitiveness in defence.
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