As Europe continues to navigate an increasingly complex and volatile security environment, the need for robust preparedness, resilience, and defence readiness has become more urgent than ever. In the lead-up to the European Council meeting on 26–27 June 2025—and in light of the recent publication of the European Commission’s Preparedness Union Strategy and the EU’s broader ambition to strengthen defence capabilities by 2030—the North East Flank business community sees a clear need to contribute to these critical discussions.
This joint statement reflects the perspectives of business confederations across the North East Flank and outlines concrete priorities where the private sector can and must play a central role. Building on previous joint positions, the statement reaffirms key principles such as the importance of trust-based public-private cooperation, the voluntary nature of engagement over regulatory imposition, and the foundational role of a strong economy and a well-functioning Single Market in underpinning Europe’s resilience and defence capacity.
While the focus is on preparedness and resilience, the statement also recognises the linkages with defence readiness and highlights the need for structured dialogue, cross-sectoral engagement, and coordinated action across the EU and NATO frameworks. Most importantly, it stresses that Europe’s immediate security also depends on continued and unwavering support for Ukraine—both as a matter of principle and as a strategic investment in a secure and stable Europe.
The actions outlined in the statement aim to support a more integrated, capable, and future-oriented approach to Europe’s security architecture—rooted in partnership with the business community.
Read the full North East Flank business representatives’ priorities regarding EU’s preparedness, resilience and defence readiness below.