New EU procurement proposals must not erode Britain's defence interests
Posted, December 05, 2007 @ 00:00
The European Commission has issued two new legislative initiatives, covering defence procurement and intra-EU trade in defence products. The two proposals could see more defence supplies brought under Single Market rules.
Conservative MEPs are concerned that these proposals may undermine the ability of the UK Government to uphold the national interest in a crucial policy area.
Malcolm Harbour MEP, Internal Market Spokesman, said:
"We will be examining the details and consulting defence specialists and suppliers to see which elements of the planned directives we can support. There may be some areas, without strategic resonance, where competition could be introduced.
"But we are very concerned about the dividing lines between strategic and non-strategic procurement, and whether these are workable in practice."
Defence Spokesman for the Conservatives in the European Parliament, Geoffrey Van Orden MEP, said:
"While we welcome opportunities for British defence companies to sell more widely across Europe, our suspicion is that the EU may be trying to extend its powers into areas beyond its proper competence.
"Unlike almost every other Member State, the UK is still capable of financing and developing a full range of top quality products for the global defence industry. Even if there were an established need for a collaborative defence initiative, this would certainly not require the involvement of the EU."