Europe's crisis response – a forgotten factor? Europe's defense needs logistics professionals: The untapped potential for Europe's defense

At a time when Europe faces unprecedented security policy challenges, efficient defense logistics forms the backbone of any effective deterrence and crisis response. In expert circles, logistics is considered one of the most important factors for military effectiveness: without a reliable supply chain that covers all levels from initial operational preparation to ongoing support in combat, neither the flexibility nor the endurance of modern armed forces can be guaranteed. However, despite ambitious commitments in the White Paper (JOINT WHITE PAPER for European Defense Readiness 2030Currently, there is a lack of clear responsibility structures and robust mechanisms for systematically managing projects and effectively integrating small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as drivers of innovation. Without binding responsibilities, transparent escalation channels, and standardized monitoring procedures, delays, inefficiencies, and wasted resources are likely – while at the same time, the potential of numerous SMEs remains untapped.

 

What's needed here isn't administrative lawyers or EU bureaucracy experts, but logistics professionals with extensive practical experience: in particular, specialists in dual-use logistics who are proficient not only in international transport chains, but also in intralogistics processes and inventory management. Their expertise is crucial for ensuring that cross-border approval procedures run smoothly, as does the operational coordination of storage, transshipment, and distribution centers – and thus directly increasing the effectiveness of our defense. Related to this:

• DU-Logistics² | Dual-Use Logistics: Integration of rail and road for civilian and military purposes
• The importance of modal split and the role of dual-use logistics in transport policy

A European Defence Logistics Council (EDLC) with national logistics focal points, supported by a real-time digital dashboard, would streamline decision-making processes and clearly define responsibilities. In parallel, an SME Defence Logistics Innovation Platform would enable tailored tenders, binding SME quotas, and pre-commercial procurement initiatives, allowing agile medium-sized companies to directly implement their disruptive ideas.

 

Only through this dual strategy – clear governance at EU and national levels coupled with proactive SME integration and the targeted involvement of experienced logistics experts – can we create the conditions for a robust, innovative defense logistics system that makes Europe capable of action and resilient.

 

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