Strengthening Europe’s defence: ASD highlights industry’s key role at EDA forum
Jan Pie, Secretary General of ASD, spoke at the EESC-hosted EDA defence forum on strengthening Europe’s defence industrial base and strategic autonomy
At the EESC-hosted European Defence Agency forum in Brussels this week, Jan Pie, Secretary General of ASD, delivered a compelling message: a stronger, more integrated European defence industry is vital to ensuring the continent’s security and resilience in an increasingly uncertain world.
Key stakeholders from the defence industry convened with senior officials from the European Defence Agency (EDA) to discuss strategies for strengthening the European Union’s defence industrial base. The forum provided a platform for dialogue ahead of the anticipated release of the “White Paper on the Future of European Defence” in mid-March 2025. Among the participants from industry was Jan Pie, Secretary General of ASD, whose contribution underscored the critical role of industry in achieving Europe’s defence goals.
Jan Pie’s call for enhanced dialogue and cooperation resonated with the forum’s overarching message: a united approach is vital for strengthening Europe’s defence industrial base. Looking ahead, he reaffirmed ASD’s commitment to fostering dialogue and cooperation on these crucial topics, highlighting the defence industry’s role as a key stakeholder in shaping Europe’s future security and resilience.
The forum took place as EU institutions prepare to unveil a comprehensive strategy to address fragmentation in the European defence base. EDA Chief Executive Jiří Šedivý noted that the current landscape is marked by a lack of joint procurement and national preferences in defence spending, resulting in small, localised markets with limited production capacity. “It is only by cooperating more that Member States can strengthen the defence technological and industrial base, create economies of scale, and develop the defence capabilities our Member States need,” Šedivý said. Baudouin Heuninckx, EDA’s Deputy Director for Industry, emphasised the importance of collaboration with the defence industry, stating, “The defence industry is our partner, and we cannot develop military capabilities without industry.”
The defence industry is our partner, and we cannot develop military capabilities without industry.
The forthcoming White Paper is expected to outline strategies for funding, improving industrial competitiveness, supporting Ukraine, and addressing critical investment needs.
The forum also addressed challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in accessing financing for defence projects. EDA officials stressed the need to better integrate SMEs into future defence initiatives to avoid weakening the EU’s industrial base.
As Europe navigates an increasingly complex security landscape, the forum underscored the importance of unity, innovation, and industry collaboration in building a resilient defence industrial base. Jan Pie’s participation at the forum reinforced the message that the defence industry plays a pivotal role in shaping Europe’s future security and resilience.
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