Finnish study reveals UN defense strategy might harm small businesses

(MENAFN) Recent study has raised concerns that the European Union’s effort to unify its defense industry and promote collaborative arms purchases could disadvantage smaller businesses, particularly in countries like Finland, according to findings released by a Finnish economic research body.

The study responds to the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, a financing tool approved by the European Council in May. This program allows EU countries to use EU-supported loans for collective defense procurement, aiming to make defense manufacturing more efficient across the region.

However, the report highlights that larger defense firms are far better equipped to expand production quickly, giving them a strong edge in benefiting from the joint procurement system. In contrast, smaller companies — which make up most of Finland’s defense sector — could see reduced production and risk losing market presence under the new arrangement.

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