Berlin to simplify defence procurement to speed up combat-readiness, draft law says

BERLIN, June 27 (Reuters) - The German government seeks to speed up defence procurement by simplifying legal procedures, fostering European cooperation and facilitating orders to start-ups to make its military combat-ready, according to a draft law seen by Reuters late on Friday

The document determines that all procurement that contributes to Europe's and NATO's military readiness inherently touches upon vital national security, thus constituting a basis to invoke an exemption under European public procurement law.

The hurdles for cash-strapped start-ups and innovative companies to join competitions are to be lowered by enabling advance payment to these firms, according to the draft dated June 25.