85% of European enterprises in the security and defence sector are SMEs.
Industry & EmploymentEuropean Union
- Omissions
- The MEP did not specify the source of this figure. The 85% claim appears to originate from ASD (Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe) data, but alternative estimates exist. The figure typically refers to companies in the aerospace, security and defence sector rather than strictly defence. The data publication date is unclear and could predate the session.
- No specific time period was cited by the MEP, making it unclear which reference year the 85% figure refers to.
- Sources
- PrimaryEuropean Commission - Defence SMEsThe European Commission acknowledges that SMEs represent a significant majority of defence industry companies, though specific percentage figures are not directly stated on this page. The page emphasizes that Europe's defence industry should draw upon innovations from SMEs.
- PrimaryEuropean Defence Agency - Defence Data 2024-2025The EDA Defence Data report covers EU defence expenditure (€343 billion in 2024, 1.9% of GDP) and industrial base information. While specific SME percentage breakdowns are not prominently featured in the summary, the report provides comprehensive data on the European defence landscape.
- SecondaryASD (Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe) - cited via multiple policy documentsASD has historically stated that approximately 80-85% of companies in the aerospace, security and defence sector are SMEs. This figure is widely cited in EU policy discussions regarding defence industry structure.