Skyline Behind the Scenes of European Defense: Strategy, Lobbying, and Access to Power
ParlamentníListy.cz recently had the opportunity to speak with Ondřej Šlouf, representative of Skyline. The primary topic was his feedback on the June European Defence and Security Summit 2025 in Brussels.
What were your main takeaways from the June 2025 European Defence and Security Summit in Brussels?
The summit emphasized the need for Europe’s strategic autonomy and strengthening its defence capabilities in response to Russian aggression in Ukraine and uncertainty in transatlantic relations. A key theme was the call for a “battle-ready Europe”—rapidly increasing defence production, readiness for hybrid threats, and potential Russian escalation. We stressed enhancing the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) through joint procurement, regulatory harmonisation, increased funding, and integrating the Ukrainian defence industry. A major challenge remains involving private capital, which requires new instruments like EU defence bonds or increased EIB participation.
What position do you recommend Skyline take with EU policymakers?
Skyline positions itself as a proactive partner in the EU’s “battle-readiness” agenda. We highlight our capabilities in joint procurement, interoperability, and support for Ukraine, aligned with the European Defence Industry Strategy (EDIS). It’s critical to showcase Skyline’s expertise in dual-use technologies such as drones and AI. Alongside consortium partners, we seek access to the European Defence Fund (EDF) and the European Defence Industrial Programme (EDIP), particularly for SMEs. Peer-group lobbying significantly increases our visibility and influence in Brussels.
Which regulatory barriers are you trying to remove, and which Directorates-General are receptive?
The main barrier is Article 346 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, which allows defence procurement to be exempt from EU rules, leading to market fragmentation. We advocate limiting its use in favor of cross-border cooperation. Other barriers include divergent national export policies and lengthy certification processes. We propose harmonised rules, mutual recognition of certifications, and administrative simplification. DG DEFIS (managing EDTIB, EDF, EDIP) is most open to change, followed by DG GROW, which supports market harmonisation and reform of Article 346.
Which policy solutions are you advocating for to close financing gaps, and who are you targeting?
We push for easing EIB restrictions on defence funding and greater support for SMEs like Skyline. Commissioner Andrius Kubilius is a key advocate for EIB reform and joint financing mechanisms. The ECON committee in the European Parliament supports innovative financing, along with the EIB’s Security and Defence office.
What are the biggest regulatory obstacles to a unified European defence market, and what is your strategy?
Member states’ reluctance to surrender control over procurement and export policies—especially via Article 346—plus the lack of harmonised certification standards, drive up costs and cause delays. We target states sensitive to Russian threats, such as Poland and the Baltics, and emphasise the benefits of a common market through EDIP. We collaborate via peer-group lobbying with the SEDE and ITRE committees, stressing economic benefits like job creation.
How did you influence Commissioner Kubilius at the summit on bureaucratic barriers?
At the summit, together with ASD and industrial leaders, we emphasised the need for swift regulatory reform. Pre-summit, we engaged DG DEFIS on delays affecting SMEs. In partnership with MEPs from SEDE, we pushed for a fast-track timeline from Commissioner Kubilius. We are advocating a unified procurement framework, mutual recognition of certifications, and extending VAT exemption under EDIRPA to EDIP.
How are you helping Skyline meet the 70% EU components requirement?
This requirement challenges even large firms—e.g., tank K2 production in Poland or Patriot missiles in Germany. It is particularly difficult for drones given dependence on Chinese components. Through peer-group lobbying, we map timelines with DG DEFIS and SEDE, so supply chains can adapt. Collaborations with European partners enable Skyline to integrate its tech into EDF-funded projects.
What amendments are you pushing for within EDIS and EDIP?
Under EDIS, we propose a budget exceeding €1.5 billion for 2025–27 to strengthen EDTIB and integrate Ukrainian firms. For EDIP, we advocate 50% co-financing for SME projects and standardised procurement rules via the Defence Industry Preparedness Council, focusing on ECON and BUDG committees.
How do you leverage EU–NATO alignment and which officials are influential?
Our proposals align with EU–NATO cooperation priorities, such as capacity gaps and hybrid threats. At the summit, we spoke with officials from both institutions, emphasising Skyline’s role in interoperability and meeting NATO requirements. Key figures include Ursula von der Leyen, Andrius Kubilius, Mark Rutte, and Kaja Kallas, all influencing strategic direction and institutional coordination.
How are you participating in the EU–NATO working group?
We engage through both partners and direct dialogue with experts in working groups. We present position papers on Skyline’s role in addressing capacity gaps in drones, supply chains, and AI. We actively participate in the European Defence Industry group and support integration of Ukraine’s defence and tech base (DTIB).
What policy are you advocating for integrating Ukraine into EDTIB?
We advocate full Ukrainian association under EDIP, joint EU–Ukraine procurement programs, and utilisation of the Ukraine Facility financed by frozen Russian assets.
What is Skyline’s strategic stance toward the EU–Ukraine working group and the “Danish model”?
Skyline is well-positioned for joint ventures with Ukrainian firms, especially in drones. In the working group, we advocate prioritisation of Skyline’s technologies in DTIB modernisation programmes. We draw on the Danish model—direct financing of specific manufacturing projects in Ukraine—and aim to include Skyline in Ukraine Facility–supported initiatives.
What legal-harmonisation measures do you advocate for Ukrainian defence?
We propose aligning Ukrainian standards with EU and NATO norms, harmonising export controls, and establishing IP protection frameworks to protect innovations. We also advocate Ukraine adopting EU procurement directives to ensure compatibility with EDIP.
How Is Skyline Gaining Access to Re-armament Funds?
We advocate for an increase in the budgets of the EDF and EDIP. Another priority is securing financial flows for small and medium-sized enterprises. We are lobbying the EIB, emphasizing Skyline’s innovations in swarm technologies and AI in drones. However, it should be noted that hypothetical funds in the range of €800 billion to €1 trillion have not yet been confirmed.
What Procedural Changes Do You Propose for Fund Disbursement?
We aim to reduce bureaucracy and ensure accessibility. We propose a centralized disbursement mechanism for EDF/EDIP, with clear eligibility criteria, advance payments, and simplified audits for SME projects.
What Changes to EDF and EDIP Do You Propose for Skyline?
Within EDF, we promote increased financing shares for SMEs and support for dual-use technologies. In EDIP, we propose 50% co-financing for SME projects and an extension of the programme beyond 2027.
How Are You Helping Skyline Shape Policy Positions in the “War Readiness” Narrative?
Skyline positions itself as a key player in rapid response technologies under the EU’s “war readiness” narrative—especially in drones, counter-drone systems, and AI in cooperation with the Ukrainian DTIB. We strengthen this positioning through media and partner-organised events.
How Would You Tailor Your Approach to Member States with Different Threat Perceptions?
For Poland and the Baltic states, we emphasize deterrence against Russia. For neutral states like Austria, we focus on internal security. For France and Germany, we highlight the benefits to EDTIB and job creation. In the Czech Republic, we are monitoring developments ahead of parliamentary elections. Our arguments are based on the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD) by the European Defence Agency.
How Do You Leverage the “Europe’s Defence Line is Ukraine’s Defence Line” Narrative?
We position Skyline as an actor that can benefit from the Ukraine Facility financed by frozen Russian assets. We stress the cost-effectiveness of co-production in Ukraine, which lowers Skyline’s production costs and increases its competitiveness. In cooperation with SEDE committee members, we strengthen this narrative and link Skyline’s projects to the priorities of countries most threatened by Russia, thus gaining political support.
Which Commissioners and DG Officials Are Most Influential?
Politically, the most influential are Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and DG DEFIS Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, as well as the Director-General of DG DEFIS and officials from DG GROW. We build relationships through briefings and events such as EDF Info Days.
How Important Is the Involvement of Senior Military Officials?
Military leaders are crucial, as they shape technical requirements and capability planning. Influential figures include General Clancy and Admiral Lorenzo. Communication is facilitated via NATO and EU missions. Skyline’s technological capabilities are also presented directly to senior military officials based on experience from conflict zones.
What Are Your Top Three Priorities for the Next Six Months?
Simplifying procurement and certification processes. Increasing EDF/EDIP funding for SMEs. Mapping EDIP regulations and actively engaging in the EU long-term budget discussion.
What Regulatory Changes Are You Advocating for “Military Schengen”?
We advocate for the harmonisation of transport regulations. We support increasing the Connecting Europe Facility budget for dual-use infrastructure and expanding PESCO projects focused on military mobility. We are strengthening communication with DG MOVE and the European Defence Agency (EDA).
What Advice Would You Give to a New Defence Industry Representative?
Build relationships with DG DEFIS, the SEDE committee, and NATO structures. Align your objectives with EU priorities. Actively engage in peer group lobbying and monitor EDF, EDIP, and the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) opportunities.
How Can Companies Not Present at the Summit Benefit from Skyline’s Insights?
Skyline can share its insights through consultations, position paper presentations, and online seminars on topics such as EDIS, EDF, and EDIP. We are open to partnerships in advancing shared interests through peer group lobbying targeting key entities like DG DEFIS, the EIB, and others.
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