Directive 2009/43 on intra-EU transfers is such an instrument, since it introduces a new licencing system which facilitates the movement of defence items within the internal market.

24. Considers mutual assurances of SoS between the Member States to be a fundamental element in the construction of an integrated European defence market; welcomes the EDA’s updated framework arrangement on SoS as an instrument which strengthens mutual confidence and solidarity, but regrets that it does not create any legal obligations; takes the view that the EU-wide SoS regime needs to be based on the implementation of existing legislation, and, in particular, on the full implementation of the directive on intra-EU transfers in or ...[+++]der to remove barriers to the movement of defence products inside the EU;

23. Welcomes the work of the EDA and the Commission on an EU-wide Security of Supply (SoS) regime, as mandated by the European Council, and looks forward to a roadmap with specific steps to be presented for endorsement by the heads of state and government in June 2015; calls on the European Commission and the EDA to explain in detail the extent to which the Parliament proposal on “a comprehensive and ambitious EU-wide security-of-supply regime (...) based on a system of mutual guarantees and an analysis of risks and needs, and possibly using the legal basis of permanent structured cooperation has been included in the preparatory work; believes that past methodologies used by the Commission, such as mapping and monitoring, have been insuff ...[+++]icient; stresses the need to focus on new approaches on how to ensure the free circulation of military equipment for the armed forces of the 28 Member States;

It facilitates the transparent and secure circulation of defence-related products in the EU, thus helping to boost the competitiveness of the EU’s defence sector.