<p>This week, during the European Week of Regions and Cities in Brussels, East Netherlands organised a policy session on the role of regions in strengthening the EU defence industry. Together with the regions of Murcia (Spain), Brittany (France), Häme (Finland) and Tapa (Estonia), the session focused on how dual-use innovation can contribute to a more resilient European defence ecosystem.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Regional cooperation as the foundation for European resilience</h3><p>The session was opened by Gerdo Peters, deputy head of the Department of Economics and Culture and programme director of the Defence Programme of the Province of Overijssel. Peters underlined the importance of regional cooperation and the integration of dual-use technologies – innovations that serve both civilian and military purposes – as key to building resilience in Europe.</p><p><img class="image_resized" style="aspect-ratio:427/640;width:11.2%;" src="https://cms.thinkeast.nl/uploads/54855866627_d0b4e68e84_z_e83e3e6bd2.jpg" alt="54855866627_d0b4e68e84_z.jpg" srcset="https://cms.thinkeast.nl/uploads/thumbnail_54855866627_d0b4e68e84_z_e83e3e6bd2.jpg 104w,https://cms.thinkeast.nl/uploads/small_54855866627_d0b4e68e84_z_e83e3e6bd2.jpg 334w," sizes="100vw" width="427" height="640"></p><p>Keynote interventions came from Krastio Preslavsky, Deputy Head of Unit at DG DEFIS (European Commission), and Sari Rautio, rapporteur on the Multiannual Financial Framework (CoR, Hämeenlinna). They stressed the need for regions to be actively involved in the new European financial frameworks for defence, security, and competitiveness, highlighting the role of dual-use investments in infrastructure and technology.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Regional contributions to Europe’s defence innovation</h3><p>The core of the session was a high-level panel with representatives from five European regions:</p><ul><li>Erwin Hoogland (East Netherlands, Province of Overijssel, CoR member)</li><li>Fernando López Miras (President, Region of Murcia, CoR member, Rapporteur on Strong European Defence Industry Ecosystem)</li><li>Toni K. Laine (Region Mayor, Häme Region, Finland)</li><li>Valdo Helmelaid (Head of Development Department, Tapa Rural Municipality, Estonia)</li><li>Aude Ollivier Cadoret (Director Cybersecurity Project, Brittany Region, France)</li></ul><p>The panel showcased regional initiatives that strengthen Europe’s defence and security, from Murcia’s CAETRA dual-use innovation programme, to Finland’s rapidly expanding DEFINE defence innovation ecosystem, Estonia’s military-industrial collaboration in Tapa, and Brittany’s regional defence plan leveraging EU funding instruments. East Netherlands highlighted its own contribution through innovation ecosystems, SMEs and cross-border cooperation.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Regions connecting European ambitions with local strengths</h3><p>Discussions focused on the unique position of regions: being close to SMEs, startups, research centres and local communities, regions can connect European ambitions to local capabilities. They play a key role in ensuring SMEs gain access to defence markets, supporting dual-use technologies, and mobilising talent and infrastructure.</p><p><img class="image_resized" style="aspect-ratio:799/533;width:23.55%;" src="https://cms.thinkeast.nl/uploads/54856730156_4a99fdd545_c_ceda279d09.jpg" alt="54856730156_4a99fdd545_c.jpg" srcset="https://cms.thinkeast.nl/uploads/thumbnail_54856730156_4a99fdd545_c_ceda279d09.jpg 234w,https://cms.thinkeast.nl/uploads/small_54856730156_4a99fdd545_c_ceda279d09.jpg 500w,https://cms.thinkeast.nl/uploads/medium_54856730156_4a99fdd545_c_ceda279d09.jpg 750w," sizes="100vw" width="799" height="533"></p><p>As Erwin Hoogland underlined: <i>"As far as I’m concerned, this meeting was just the beginning of much more collaboration between European regions. We all have something to contribute. In East Netherlands, for example, we are strategically located and strong in innovation – from radar technology to drones and the latest microchips. It’s also a region where companies work closely with schools and universities. But it’s only when we share that knowledge and experience with other European regions that we can really make a difference. Together, we are building a stronger defence industry and a safer, more resilient Europe."</i></p><h3>Towards a European position on defence and innovation &nbsp;</h3><p>The session concluded with remarks by Francesco Molica, Director of EURADA, who summarised the key findings.</p><p>Think East Netherlands and its partners will continue to advocate for strong regional involvement in EU defence and dual-use policy, ensuring that innovation ecosystems across Europe can contribute to a resilient and competitive European defence industry.&nbsp;</p>

Regions strengthening Europe’s defence industry