Brussels, 26/09/2013 (Agence Europe) - Strengthening security of supply, the issue of normalisation and certification, ensuring synergy between EU and national initiatives, and increasing investment in innovation - these are the main issues that were highlighted during an exchange of views on the European defence sector between the European ministers for industry, who met in Brussels on Thursday 26 September.
The ministers had the opportunity to express their opinion for the first time on the European Commission's action plan on “a more competitive and efficient European defence and security sector”, which was presented at the end of July (see EUROPE 10894). They stressed the importance of increasing the competitiveness of this sector. Only Germany and the UK stood out by warning against the European Commission, which would take - in their opinion - the risk of overstepping its prerogatives. This is an accusation that the Commission firmly rejected, saying it has the role of facilitator, whose objective would be to increase cooperation and coordination between the member states. (JK/transl.fl)