As the EC Representation in Latvia informed LETA, the EC on Tuesday came up with a proposal aimed at simplifying rules and accelerating investments in strengthening the EU's defense capabilities.

The"Defence Readiness Omnibus" includes concrete proposals to enable Member States and the defence industry to increase capacity, strengthen infrastructure and adapt to modern security challenges in a faster and more coordinated manner.

Dombrovskis points out that the EU's fundamental task remains unchanged - to ensure peace in Europe, but he cannot ignore the fact that the world is changing, and"we live in turbulent times, as evidenced by both Russia's brutal war in Ukraine and the open threats made by its officials to EU and NATO member states." The Commissioner emphasizes that there is no room for panic in this situation, but instead we must act decisively, rapidly increasing military production and the defense capabilities of EU member states.

Dombrovskis reminds that the EU has already committed to mobilizing approximately 800 billion euros over the next four years to develop its defense industry and capabilities."It is important that these funds are used quickly and as efficiently as possible, laying the foundations for a single EU market for military goods and services," says the Commissioner, emphasizing that today's EC proposals are aimed at reducing obstacles and bureaucracy that could hinder achieving this goal.

For example, the EC proposes to reduce the time required to obtain permits for military facilities and production facilities from several years, as is currently the case, to two months.

The EC also proposes to simplify EU regulations for military procurement, facilitate the shipment of military goods from one EU country to another, and encourage our banks and investors to invest in defense companies and projects.

Dombrovskis notes that so far several Latvian companies have already successfully competed in tenders for European Defence Fund funding."The good news is that we are also reducing bureaucracy for companies that will want to apply for fund funds in the future," the commissioner believes.

As reported, the EC on Tuesday presented proposals to reduce bureaucracy in the field of defense in order to simplify the attraction of EU, national and private funds to the EU defense industry.

The war in Ukraine and concerns about the credibility of the United States under President Donald Trump have prompted Europe to increase arms production.

"The only way to ensure peace in Europe is to make sure we are ready to defend ourselves," stressed EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius. He noted that the EC has put forward ambitious proposals to reduce bureaucracy.

The EC wants to shorten the time it takes to obtain permits for defense projects from several years, as is the case now, to 60 days.

A senior EU official cited the example of a munitions testing plant that would have to comply with a myriad of environmental, health and safety regulations."It could take up to three or four years," the official said.

The bloc also aims to make it easier for companies to access EU funding and clarify investment rules, which have so far often discouraged asset managers from investing money in the defense sector.

The EC proposals will now be considered by EU member states and legislators.