Business community commits to strengthening NATO defence industrial base

“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.

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.

On 25 June, 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.