European Technology non-Dependency

European Defence Conference 20 - 21 October 2011

European defence needs and the R&D response - a forum for debate on policy and cooperation

Focus on European Technology non-Dependency

The European Defence Conference carries-on the ETnD initiative of the European Defence Agency (EDA) and follows up the previous findings and conclusions of the ETnD conference of April 2011 in Budapest

European Technology non-Dependence (ETnD) is the possibility for Europe to have unrestricted access to any required technology. This has been identified as a critical common topic for the future well-being of the European Union by all stakeholders in the defence, security and space community.

Technological dependency limits the capabilities of the European Industry and their supporting research providers to respond to the evolving needs of the defence, space and security market. It can also seriously restrict EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) capabilities.

EDA was tasked by the member states to contribute to a comprehensive ETnD strategy in consultation with ESA, European Commission and relevant other organizations and stakeholders.

On initiative of EDA, a European Technology non-Dependence conference took place in April 2011 in Budapest, HU. The conference for the first time brought together senior Defence, Space and Security experts and policy makers from across Europe.

Key enabling material, component, device, systems technologies and skills were assessed as the essential building blocks for the competitiveness of European industries and to achieve security and wellbeing on a high level for EU societies.

A main result of the conference was raised awareness and an increased common understanding of all stakeholders of the strategic importance of ETnD for Defence, Space and Security and the need for a proactive policy including at political level.

The session on ETnD at the EDC in Warsaw follows up on previously attained perceptions, conclusions and recommendations and provides a forum to further promote the preparation and the development of a comprehensive EU approach for a possible future ETnD strategy and policy.

The synthesis of past findings and future ideas as well as recommendations will be presented and discussed, also with the objective to improve awareness of the subject and to reach substantiated arguments and views.

The session on ETnD at the EDC Warsaw conference is also an opportunity to initiate a first discussion on a cross domain ETnD strategy.

Speakers: Mrs. Isabelle Desjeux (EDA)
                Mr. Vincent Baudinaud (EADS)



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