SEA Naval press release
SEA Naval, the SEA Europe permanent working group representing the interests of European naval shipyards, warmly welcomes the recent coordinated adoption of EU policy documents regarding defence and security, including the Commission contribution to European defence and its related Roadmap on critical technologies for security and defence; the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence ; and the Joint Communication on the Defence Investment Gaps Analysis and Way Forward. These overarching publications are milestones for the European Defence and Security sector and mark an unprecedented step towards the rebuilding and the reinforcement of our collective defence and resilience.
These policy initiatives now need to be translated into concrete actions. To actively contribute to this aim, SEA Naval developed a comprehensive Position Paper on EU Defence Policy Initiatives. Indeed, the ambition of SEA Naval is not only to follow the evolution of these EU defence policy ambitions, but to actively engage in their elaboration, development and implementation.
Davide Cucino, the newly elected SEA Naval Chairman, stated:
“These coordinated initiatives are legitimately stressing the importance of the Defence sector in a context of renewed tensions in the European Continent. The rapidly changing geopolitical scenario results in a shift of attention towards the need for a stronger and more resilient European defence to ensure security and citizens safety and protection. Obviously, the Naval sector has a strategic implication in this context and, through our Position Paper, we aim to emphasize the sectoral contribution to EU Defence and the specific needs of our industry by demonstrating our full commitment and dedication.”
SEA Naval Position Paper identifies six sector-specific priorities which are crucial for the evolution and implementation of the EU defence policy initiatives. Ranging from the need for an EU coordinated multiannual planning for defence, to the necessity to maximise the contribution of defence-financing tools, to the reinforcement of the European Defence and Technological Industrial Base, such as the European Defence Fund (EDF) or the forthcoming European Defence Investment Programme (EDIP). The Position Paper highlights the willingness of the naval sector to offer its contribute to the EU in achieving its goals.
Mr Cucino emphasized: “We are at a crucial stage, and as the recent policy activity on
defence demonstrates, we are taking the right path towards a greater inclusion of
defence topics in the EU political agenda. We developed this Position Paper specifically
to highlight those key priorities for an effective implementation of the defence policy
initiatives.”
“Now, we need to ensure a proper level of cooperation between Member States, Navies
and industries to achieve a satisfactory outcome. To this end, SEA Naval and its members
are fully committed to provide support to the European institutions, the Member States
and the Navies to reach their ambitions.” concluded Mr Cucino.
