Business community commits to strengthening NATO defence industrial base |
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| “Europe’s security and economic strength go hand in hand. Whether it’s about increasing defence spending, managing trade tensions or competing globally, none of this is possible without a thriving industrial base and a resilient business community”. This was the core message delivered by our President, Fredrik Persson, at the Defence Captains of Industry Dinner on 23 June in The Hague. |
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| The dinner, a timely gathering of representatives of the business community across NATO countries, was hosted by our Dutch member VNO-NCW and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in the run-up to this week’s NATO Summit. During his speech, Fredrik Persson called for sustained efforts to enhance Europe’s attractiveness as a trade partner and investment destination. This includes reducing regulatory burdens, strengthening the research and innovation ecosystem, increasing investments, improving access to skilled workers, and deepening both public-private cooperation (including in the defence sector) and transatlantic partnerships. |
Yesterday, a Joint Ambition Statement was delivered to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum. Signed by VNO-NCW, BusinessEurope, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, it affirms our shared commitment to strengthening NATO defence industrial capabilities and production. “The business community stands ready to step up efforts and engage in public-private partnerships to drive investment, innovation and efficiency in defence production”, Persson commented.
©Photo: Sicco van Grieken |
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EU business message to the European Council |
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 | As EU leaders gather this week for the European Council, the business community has a united call: Europe must act now to strengthen its economy and global role. Modest economic growth is not enough. It’s time to walk the talk on competitiveness. Watch our Director General Markus J. Beyrer explain the priority actions of our Copenhagen Declaration. |
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The majority of our member federations indicate an increase in investment of their member companies in the defence industry |
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Global defence spending surged to €2.5 trillion in 2024, from €2.2 trillion in 2023. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimates that, in 2024, total defence spending in the EU amounted to €329.9 billion, representing a 17% increase over the previous year. Increased investments in defence are also reported by the vast majority (70%) of our members federations. Out of this amount, investments in defence in the EU are estimated to be around 30% of total spending (around €102 billion).
More details in our Spring Economic Outlook. |
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“The direction of travel is right now, but we have a lot of work ahead of us, which we will have to do under pressure. On the other hand, this is something that Europe knows quite well. It has often developed in crises. It seems that this is our destiny.” Our Director General Markus J. Beyrer in interview with Czech news outlet Hrot, published on 25 June 2025. |
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Read our position paper. |
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Read our press release. |
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