MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Commission white paper on options for enhancing support for research and development involving technologies with dual-use potential – E-000085/2025(ASW)

In view of the preparation of funding programmes under the next EU multiannual financial framework, the Commission is reflecting on the possibility of providing adequate, strategically targeted support for dual-use technology development, in line with the European Economic Security Strategy[1].

These reflections will take into account the outcome of the public consultation on the White paper on options for enhancing support for research and development involving technologies with dual-use potential[2] and build on strategic directions and proposals found in important documents that develop a vision for the future, such as the Letta Report[3], the Draghi Report[4], the Heitor Report[5] and the Niinistö Report[6].

This is without prejudice to the fact that the defence of the Member States’ territory and citizens is an exclusively national competence.

The Commission has defined its overarching political priorities and objectives for the period 2024-2029[7]. In terms of the next EU multiannual financial framework, the Union budget will be more focused on aligning with these priorities and objectives, in a simpler and more impactful way.

It will be for the co-legislators to discuss the future Commission’s legislative proposals and adopt the next multiannual financial framework in line with the EU’s priorities, objectives and funding needs.

• [1] JOIN (2023) 20 final of 20.06.2023.
• [2] COM(2024) 27 of 24.1.2024.
• [3] Much more than a market — Speed, Security, Solidarity, April 2024 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/ny3j24sm/much-more-than-a-market-report-by-enrico-letta.pdf
• [4] The future of European competitiveness — A competitiveness strategy for Europe, September 2024 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/97e481fd-2dc3-412d-be4c-f152a8232961_en?filename=The%20future%20of%20European%20competitiveness%20_%20A%20competitiveness%20strategy%20for%20Europe.pdf
• [5] Align, act, accelerate: Research, technology and innovation to boost European competitiveness, September 2024 https://era.gv.at/public/documents/5177/Align_Act_Accelerate_Research_Technology_and_Innovation_to_boost_European_Comp_rjTSuEu.pdf
• [6] Safe together — Strengthening Europe’s civilian and military preparedness and readiness, October 2024 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/5bb2881f-9e29-42f2-8b77-8739b19d047c_en?filename=2024_Niinisto-report_Book_VF.pdf
• [7] https://commission.europa.eu/priorities-2024-2029_en