Focus Topics
Defence and security in Europe
Strategic legal counsel for a
changing security landscape
Europe is undergoing a fundamental shift: defence and security have moved to the centre of national and EU-level economic and geopolitical strategies. Governments, corporates and investors are reassessing their positions – responding to increasing budgets, new regulatory frameworks and evolving investment opportunities.
Wolf Theiss supports clients with strategic legal guidance across all areas of the defence and security sector. From transactions and procurement to regulatory compliance, infrastructure and cybersecurity – we provide clear, integrated legal solutions across CEE.
M&A and foreign direct investment (FDI)
Advising on cross-border transactions and investment screening across CEE.
- Structuring acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic partnerships
- FDI screening and national security reviews
- Legal due diligence and regulatory approvals
Regulatory, compliance & export controls
Supporting clients in navigating complex national and EU frameworks.
- Arms control, dual-use and ITAR compliance
- Sanctions advice and internal investigations
- Anti-bribery and corruption assessments
Public procurement & defence contracting
Advising on large-scale tenders and negotiations with public authorities.
- Legal support for defence-sector procurement processes
- Structuring offset obligations and local content requirements
- Engaging with ministries and regulators
Infrastructure & industrial development
Legal structuring of strategic defence-related real estate facilities and projects.
- Site selection, acquisition and development support
- Structuring of lease and ownership models
- Guidance for greenfield and brownfield projects
Dispute resolution & investigations
Protecting clients’ interests in contentious defence matters.
- Defence-sector litigation and arbitration
- Regulatory enforcement proceedings
- Internal investigations and compliance-related disputes
Technology & cybersecurity
Legal frameworks for digital infrastructure and innovation in defence.
- Cybersecurity compliance for critical infrastructure providers
- AI-powered and dual-use technology projects
- Licensing for defence software and hardware
We advise domestic and international clients on complex legal challenges in the defence and security sector. Our work spans transactions, compliance, infrastructure and technology across multiple jurisdictions, including:
- Advising an international defence company on acquiring a CEE-based tech supplier.
- Supporting a multi-jurisdictional procurement process for a leading arms manufacturer.
- Guiding a US investor through FDI screening and market entry.
- Advising on export controls, EU sanctions and ITAR compliance.
- Providing legal structuring for a new security technology production facility.
- Assisting with software licensing for jetfighter radar systems.
- Managing patent protection and cross-border licensing for an arms manufacturer.
- Ensuring NIS-2 cybersecurity compliance for a critical infrastructure operator.
Our experts
Our dedicated team combines in-depth regional coverage across 13 CEE/SEE jurisdictions with cross-border expertise in transactions, regulatory frameworks and procurement. We advise leading defence companies, investors and public authorities, offering strategic legal counsel grounded in a deep understanding of the legal, economic and geopolitical dynamics shaping the European defence sector.
Interested in opportunities in the defence and security sector? Our team is available for a confidential discussion.
Current insights
Stay informed with our latest analyses and updates
M&A in the defence sector
Amid escalating geopolitical tensions and renewed defence spending across Europe, the defence sector has become an area of strategic interest for both financial and strategic investors. With NATO rearmament efforts accelerating and countries like Germany, the UK and several CEE states committing significant resources to military capability development, defence-related M&A is experiencing a resurgence not seen since the Cold War. As a result, investors are increasingly drawn to defence assets for their growing strategic and economic value – but also face a shifting legal landscape that demands careful navigation.
Key EU publications on Europe’s defence strategy
EU institutions have recently issued several key publications that will shape the regulatory and industrial landscape of Europe’s defence sector in the years ahead. These documents provide essential context for understanding current developments, from funding instruments and joint procurement to industrial resilience and security policy.
Below you’ll find selected EU materials relevant to legal and strategic decision-making in this space.
Defence Readiness Omnibus
Adopted on 18 June 2025, the Defence Readiness Omnibus builds on the strategic roadmap set out in the European Defence-Readiness White Paper. It translates key objectives into concrete regulatory measures, designed to accelerate the EU’s defence preparedness by 2030 and enable up to EUR 800 billion in investments over the next four years.
The Omnibus comprises a Commission Communication and a package of legislative and non-legislative initiatives aimed at removing structural barriers in procurement, permitting, compliance and cross-border coordination. It also introduces targeted reforms in areas such as public procurement thresholds, permitting timelines, intra-EU licensing and merger control. Together, these measures lay the groundwork for a more agile and integrated European defence system.
Key areas of impact include:
- Public procurement: Doubling of thresholds for the application of the Defence Procurement Directive, with the aim of streamlining procedures
- Permitting procedures: Introduction of accelerated timelines (target: 60 days) for projects relevant to defence readiness, raising practical questions regarding implementation at national and local level
- Licensing and technology transfer: Simplification of intra-EU export and transfer rules to support joint capability development
- Financing: Greater access to funding instruments under the European Defence Fund and potential synergies with InvestEU and SAFE
- Defence supply chains: Allowances for local derogations regarding the availability of critical materials
- Cross-border industrial alliances: Loosening of EU Merger Guidelines to facilitate strategic cooperation among EU-based entities; potential implications for third-country investors remain under consideration, especially in relation to FDI regimes.
European Commission | Defence Readiness Omnibus
Strategic roadmap for EU defence readiness by 2030
This policy paper outlines the EU’s strategic roadmap for building defence readiness by 2030. It addresses capability gaps, industrial resilience and collaborative procurement, while detailing financial instruments under the EUR 800 billion ReArm Europe Plan. A key focus is on supporting Ukraine, accelerating innovation and creating a unified European defence market.
Download European Commission | White Paper for European Defence and Readiness 2030
Action plan to boost a competitive and decarbonised metals industry
This Action Plan sets out targeted measures to strengthen Europe’s steel and metals sectors, which are essential to the EU’s industrial resilience and defence readiness. It focuses on affordable energy, fair competition, recycling, decarbonisation funding and quality job protection – reinforcing the strategic relevance of these sectors within the ReArm Europe framework.
Download European Commission | Action Plan to secure a competitive and resilient EU defence industry
Q&A on the Defence Package: key elements of the EU White Paper
This Q&A explains the strategic rationale behind the White Paper and its role in shaping a stronger European Defence Union. It covers key initiatives to close capability gaps, strengthen the EU’s defence industry, support Ukraine and improve industrial coordination across Member States, all while reinforcing NATO interoperability and long-term EU security goals.
Download European Commission | Q&A on Defence Package
Q&A on the ReArm Europe Plan and defence industrial funding
This document provides detailed answers on the structure and implementation of the ReArm Europe Plan. It explains how Member States can access up to EUR 150 billion in loans through the new SAFE instrument, outlines conditions for the National Escape Clause and clarifies how funding mechanisms support joint procurement and strengthen Europe’s defence industrial base.
Download European Commission | Q&A on Readiness 2030
