Confidentiality and Security Derogations for Defence Projects
The amendments to the cohesion framework introduce a carefully delimited set of derogations from the ordinary transparency and publicity requirements when projects relate to defence. Member States are now obliged to inform the European Commission before selecting any defence project under the newly established objectives. This notification ensures that the Commission can monitor the use of confidentiality exceptions from the outset, rather than after implementation. Crucially, while public disclosure may be restricted, the Commission and the European Court of Auditors retain their full rights of access to project data. This safeguard guarantees that institutional oversight remains intact, even when project details are shielded from public view. The European Parliament is also granted an explicit monitoring role, preserving political control over budgetary implementation. In this way, the reforms create a balance: operational secrecy for sensitive projects is permitted, but accountability within EU institutions is preserved. This addresses the need to protect security information while avoiding any erosion of financial integrity.