EPP-CoR members called for stronger regional defence ecosystems, simpler procedures for SMEs, better access to finance, and closer cooperation with the European Parliament and the European Commission during the external meeting of the European Committee of the Regions’ Working Group on Defence in Cartagena. Hosted by the Region of Murcia, the meeting focused on unlocking the full potential of SMEs in Europe’s defence industry.
Fernando López Miras (ES/EPP), President of the Region of Murcia and Chair of the Working Group on Defence, said: “The role of small and medium-sized enterprises in strengthening European security and defence is undeniable. Their contribution is essential to the development of advanced technological solutions, the reinforcement of industrial capacities, and the promotion of strategic infrastructure. It is our responsibility to promote strong regional ecosystems that drive innovation, facilitate access to the defence market, and foster transnational collaboration, thus contributing decisively to a stronger, more autonomous, and better-prepared Europe.”
Olgierd Geblewicz (PL/EPP), President of West Pomerania Region, said: “The good practices shared from CoR members are very inspiring. They show how to build a good environment from the ground, from the cities and from the regions. We need to spread this idea across Europe, and it should be our task if we want to put Europe’s capabilities on an operational track.” He also called for continued cooperation with the European Commission and the European Parliament on defence, suggesting it could be “a great topic for our next meeting”. Geblewicz welcomed the discussion on reducing red tape and implementing the Omnibus package effectively.
Arnoldas Abramavičius (LT/EPP), member of Zarasai District Municipal Council, said: “Representing Lithuania, we are on the eastern flank, so this discussion is very timely. We should encourage cooperation between the Committee of the Regions, the European Parliament’s SEDE Committee and the European Network of Defence-Related Regions.” Referring to Lithuania’s border with Belarus, he added that the development of infrastructure for the German Bundeswehr brigade is “a key project on the Lithuanian eastern flank” and stressed that local and regional authorities must be involved “not only in supporting SMEs, but also in big projects”. He also highlighted the need to remove unnecessary barriers for SMEs, start-ups and less-represented regions seeking to participate in the defence sector. At the same time, he underlined the importance of strengthening the role of the European Investment Bank, as well as national offices and representations, in supporting local and regional authorities as they engage with new opportunities linked to defence capabilities, competitiveness, energy security and international partnerships.
Nicolás Pascual de la Parte MEP (EPP Group), member of the European Parliament's Committee on Security and Defence, said: “Simplification has advantages because it means a reduction of timing, overregulation and red tape, but it also entails some risks.” While supporting the objectives of the Omnibus package, he warned that significantly shorter deadlines could create difficulties for SMEs seeking to participate in EU programmes. He also backed stronger cooperation between the European Parliament's SEDE Committee and the Committee of the Regions, expressing his commitment to promoting a joint meeting. On financing, he welcomed the European Investment Bank and European Investment Fund's growing support for defence-related SMEs and encouraged regions and companies to prepare for future opportunities under the European Defence Fund and forthcoming competitiveness instruments. Finally, he called for the development of stronger regional defence and security cluster networks across Europe, highlighting initiatives such as CAETRA as models for sharing expertise, fostering innovation and strengthening Europe's defence industrial ecosystem from the regional level upwards.
Other key points raised during the meeting included the need to improve SME access to EU research and innovation programmes, strengthen access to finance through the European Investment Bank and European Investment Fund, support regional defence and security clusters, and develop stronger European value chains. Speakers presented examples including Murcia’s CAETRA programme, which supports dual-use innovation in defence, security and reconstruction.
The Working Group on Defence was established on 1 April 2025 by the Bureau of the European Committee of the Regions to promote the contribution of local and regional authorities to the EU’s security and defence architecture. Its next meeting will take place this autumn in Brussels.