Non-Paper No 9/2025: To the Defence of Defence? Investment Screening and Strategic Autonomy in the EU Defence Sector

Written by Anna Vlasiuk Nibe, CFIS 25 Programme Sherpa.

In an era marked by geopolitical instability, rapid technological advancement, and strategic uncertainty, Europe faces the complex task of strengthening its defence industrial base, fostering innovation, and ensuring competitiveness while managing cross-border cooperation and protecting national security and public order. This evolving landscape presents significant opportunities for a wide range of companies, including defence contractors, SMEs, deep-tech start-ups, and investors, but also introduces regulatory challenges, fragmented investment screening practices, and heightened state involvement across economic sectors. Businesses must navigate an increasingly intricate compliance environment, while governments are called to build multidisciplinary expertise, enhance inter-agency and cross-border coordination, and implement robust mitigation strategies to tackle security risks associated with foreign takeovers. Against this backdrop, the CFIS 2025 panel titled “To the Defence of Defence?” invites critical reflection on how European screening authorities manage foreign investment, foster cooperation, and mitigate risks in the expanding European defence sector.