Recital (45)

The Union should identify European Defence Projects of Common Interest (EDPCIs) on which to focus efforts and resources, which should consist of collaborative industrial projects aimed at reinforcing the competitiveness of the EDTIB throughout the Union while contributing to the development of Member States’ military capabilities critical for the security and defence interests of the Union, including those securing access to all operational domains. Due to the sensitive nature of the decision to identify an EDPCI in light of its potential impact on national security interests, and the importance of ensuring the contribution of such projects to the defence readiness of all Member States, the power to adopt implementing acts to identify EDPCIs should be conferred on the Council, upon a proposal from the Commission. Before proposing such implementing acts, the Commission should take into account the views of all Member States and the project proposals they have for possible EDPCIs. When preparing such project proposals, Member States should coordinate in an inclusive manner, using for that purpose the support of the EDA where necessary. In that context, Member States may identify dual-use capabilities of common interest. In so far as those project proposals turn into EDPCIs, the dual-use capabilities identified by Member States could be developed for the Union, its institutions, bodies and agencies in the context of the EDPCIs concerned. In addition to being consistent with the capability priorities identified in the context of the CFSP, including the Capability Development Plan (CDP), the objectives of the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence and the collaborative opportunities identified in the context of the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD), EDPCIs should take into account the projects agreed in the context of PESCO, EDA initiatives and the relevant activities carried out by NATO, such as the NATO Defence Planning Process. Before submitting a proposal for an implementing act, the Commission should invite the High Representative and the EDA, as necessary, to provide input with a view to ensuring consistency with those priorities and objectives. That input will complement the information provided by Member States regarding project proposals. The Council should be able to add or remove projects or make other amendments to the Commission proposal for an implementing act. The maturity of a project, its foreseen contribution to defence readiness and the number of participating Member States should be taken into consideration by the Council when assessing a proposal for an implementing act.