The last few years have seen a drastically altered EU policy outlook on security, defence industrial policy and civil protection. War, natural disasters and successive crises have together stimulated a shift in political attention towards defence and crisis response, and the need for a stronger and more unified European ability to act in times of crisis.
The defence industry is distinct from other industries, and one that has traditionally been closely tied to national governments. As the EU emerges as central hub for financing, lawmaking and coordination for the defence industry, strong industry involvement in Brussels is key to ensure a sound policy framework, capture new opportunities and avoid unintended consequences of a rapidly growing field of EU policy. This is where Kreab can help.
To view our expertise and Senior Advisors on Defence
and Civil Protection you can download our brochure here
Our way of working
Kreab offers deep issue expertise, institutional process knowledge and extensive communication skills to help our clients reach their goals.
Kreab’s Defence and Civil Protection team brings together policy professionals with a broad range of backgrounds, ranging from technical detail to geopolitical strategy across foreign policy, defence, civil protection, industrial policy, cybersecurity and space policy.
Each sector and each organisation has distinctive features that structure their needs and appropriate course of action in public affairs. Our client-focussed approach allow us to develop a close working relationship with our clients, and thereby to deliver carefully tailored and high-impact campaigns and advice.
We provide the following services on Defence and Civil Protection:
EU Defence industrial policy
EU Defence industrial policy
The EU is rapidly moving from a position of relative irrelevance on defence and defence industrial policy, to becoming a central hub for the EU defence industry. EU involvement has been scaled up in recent years through the capability planning work of the European Defence Agency and the R&D funding for the sector provided by European Defence Fund and its predecessors. The return of war to the European continent pushed this trend into high-gear, with the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement Act (EDIRPA) and the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP), followed by a new European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS) and Programme (EDIP) which promise to make the EU a key actor in defence industrial policy. As the EU’s role for the industry is growing, the industry also needs to build a stronger presence in EU discourse and policymaking.
Civil protection
Civil protection
Civil protection is another growing field for the EU, where common European action is spurred on by frequent natural disasters and humanitarian crises. Many products developed for the defence sector are also useful for civil protection. The EU can notably provide 100% funding for Member States to acquire, maintain and operate civil protection capacities that are defined by the European Commission, through a permanent mechanism (rescEU). Understanding which capacities are needed, how these are defined, and how decisions are made on this common resource pool is mutually beneficial to industry and policymakers. This is a space where interaction between policymakers and the private sector has traditionally been limited, but that Kreab has experience successfully navigating to the benefit of our clients.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is an integral part of the EU’s strategic domains for security and defence policy, covering both military and civil infrastructure and resources. With today’s interconnectedness of defence capabilities and contemporary security landscape, including ever growing cyberthreats, cybersecurity policy has become a strategic priority underpinning the entire defence sector’s effectiveness and reliability. While contributing to a stronger European cyber defence ecosystem, EU policy on cybersecurity also includes extensive industry partnerships that prioritise collaboration with SMEs and stronger investment in research and development (R&D). Being aware of and understanding current and future cybersecurity trends will be fundamental to protect critical assets, maintain operational continuity of defence capabilities, secure supply chains, ensure compliance with legislation and standards, and facilitate international cooperation with like-minded partners around the world.
Space
Space
Space policy is increasingly intertwined with defence as a result of geopolitical developments and increasing power competition and intensification of threats. The EU published its Space Strategy for Security and Defence in March 2023, committing to better connect space, defence and security at EU level and ensure synergies and cross-fertilisation, notably in terms of research and development. EU space policy has supported the establishment of secure connectivity through satellite constellations – notably within the EU Space Programme 2021-27 and the Iris2 constellation, while the EU Space Law will aim to create an EU Single Market for space and boost the security and defence dimension of space.
NATO
NATO
Through tools such as the NATO Innovation Fund (NIF) and the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA), NATO is taking concrete steps to support the Defence Industry’s development of new disruptive technologies and help SMEs gain the support needed to bring their products onto the market. Additionally, a new Defence Production Action Plan (DPAP) will coordinate NATO Allies in stepping up investments in defence production and strengthen procurement, coordination, and interoperability of the Allies’ defence capabilities. With NATO continuing to be of pivotal importance in coordinating allied defence & security efforts, Industry must be aware of upcoming opportunities and act on them.
Defence Procurement and offset agreements
Defence Procurement and offset agreements
Our consultancy specializes in navigating the intricate landscape of government policies concerning defence procurement rules and offset agreements. With expertise in EU regulations, we offer comprehensive guidance on the legality of offset agreements within the EU framework. We advise on regulations while maximizing strategic advantages for your organization. From risk assessment to policy analysis, we provide strategic insights to optimize your procurement strategies. Trust our team to navigate the complex regulatory environment, mitigating risks and unlocking opportunities for your organization’s success in defence procurement within the bounds of EU law.