In a recent letter to the European Commission, eleven defence ministers from EU member states expressed concerns that existing EU bureaucracy is hindering military readiness.

The ministers urged Defence Chief Andrius Kubilius to consider amendments to environmental and procurement legislation as part of the forthcoming defence simplification package, which is anticipated to be presented in June.

The letter characterizes current regulatory frameworks as "a direct obstacle" to the operational capabilities of the armed forces, which affects their ability to mobilize and respond swiftly when necessary.

This so-called 'omnibus' package is a component of the European Commission's broader initiative aimed at increasing defence production across Europe.

Earlier this month, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with representatives from European defence industries to refine the details of the proposed package.

Efforts to simplify environmental regulations have been motivated by a desire to facilitate access to private financing for the defence sector.

The Commission has indicated that it is contemplating changes to the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria that guide investor evaluations, potentially enhancing private investment opportunities in the defence arena.

However, the ministers stress the importance of also considering the implications for military forces in the final legislative proposals.

To ensure that new legislative actions do not adversely affect military preparedness, the letter advocates for the introduction of a mandatory readiness and defence check within the proposed reforms.

The letter was co-signed by the defence ministers of Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, and Sweden, indicating a significant collective effort towards addressing these issues.

In related developments, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced ongoing discussions between Canada and the EU aimed at establishing a defence partnership ahead of July.

Carney highlighted the importance of the agreement in light of strained relations with the United States, noting that a substantial portion of Canada’s defence spending currently supports U.S. military efforts.

The partnership discussions are set to coincide with a summit in Brussels on June 23, where Canadian officials may seek to finalize the agreement.

In another aspect of European defence concerns, the Dutch defence minister has raised alarms over potential espionage threats from China, emphasizing the need for vigilance and security in defence matters.

As global geopolitical tensions evolve, both the EU and member states are focusing on enhancing military cooperation and readiness while navigating complex international relationships.