16/10/2025 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 14 October, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) called for a strong European preference in common defence markets. In adopting an opinion presented by Ricardo Rio (EPP, Portuguese), Mayor of Braga, on the European Defence Readiness 2030 initiative, the CoR called for greater synergies between cohesion policy and European defence objectives. With regard to the SAFE - Security Action for Europe instrument, CoR members stress the need for a strong European preference to ensure that investment in EU security benefits local industries and strengthens European sovereignty. Lastly, the CoR believes that funding should primarily benefit the Member States and Ukraine, and that joint procurement contracts should include a requirement that at least 70% of defence components come from the European Union or Ukraine, with industrial lead established on European territory. (LC)