Critical technologies for security and defence (A9-0120/2023 - Riho Terras) (vote)
Riho Terras, rapporteur. – Madam President, sorry colleagues, I don’t know how you feel, so I test your patience. European security has never been more fragile since the end of the Second World War. Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine is a turning point in the history of our continent.
There is no other way for Europe than to be prepared, both mentally and physically, to defend its people, economy, our way of life. This requires more adequate funding for defence.
In the light of the ongoing war, we have primarily and rightly focused on the heavy iron and ammunition that Ukraine needs to win this war. But there is also another dimension where the EU must deliver: new and critical technologies that are needed for our security and defence.
The report we will be voting shortly comes as a reply to the Commission’s roadmap of critical technologies for security and defence. With this report, we stress the need for Europe to become more competitive in the field of new and disruptive technologies and to combine the best knowledge and practices of private sector, academia and government.
We also emphasise the importance of close cooperation with like-minded partners globally. SMEs and startups have an important role to play in this innovation. More and better investment tools are needed for the innovation to take place.
Finally, we cannot afford more defence with less money. Today, 1% of the MFF dedicated for security and defence is not enough.
Dear colleagues, I kindly ask you to support this report with your vote.