Europe mulls hybrid security standards to bolster defence industry

The European Union is considering new hybrid standards for security and defence products in a move that could shore up the bloc's defence industry as it struggles against constrained equipment spending.

The European Commission (EC) may include proposals for hybrid standards in a future package of measures to support Europe's security businesses. An EU official told IHS Jane's on 2 April: "These are technical standards that could swing either way, towards homeland security [applications] or defence. However, no decision has been taken yet to do this."

If the EC does pursue the idea it would be included in its forthcoming communication, or policy statement, on industrial initiatives for Europe's security sector. The paper is due to be unveiled by Europe's Commissioner for Industry and Enterprise Policy, Antonio Tajani, before the middle of the year.

Although the paper will be officially pegged to Europe's civil security market only, there is tacit but widespread agreement among EU and national officials that policy support for civil security and defence should be exploited whenever possible.