European Defence Fund: Enhancing Opportunities for All (EOA) Project

Welcome to our platform, an initiative developed as part of the Enhancing Opportunities for All (EOA) project under the European Defence Fund (EDF). This website aims to support and strengthen the outreach and collaboration efforts of the National Focal Points (NFPs) network across EU Member States and Norway.

None

What is the European Defence Fund

The European Defence Fund (EDF) is a significant initiative by the European Union aimed at fostering and supporting collaborative research and development projects in the defence sector among EU Member States. Established to enhance the EU's strategic autonomy and strengthen its defence capabilities, the EDF focuses on financing projects that can improve the competitiveness and innovation of the European defence industry. For the period of 2021-2027 the EU has allocated almost 8 billion euros to the EDF.

Key Objectives of the EDF:

  • 01 Promote Collaboration

    The EDF encourages Member States to collaborate on defence projects, reducing fragmentation and fostering a more integrated defence market.

  • 02 Boost Innovation

    By (co)funding cutting-edge research and development projects, the EDF aims to stimulate technological advancements in defence.

  • 03 Enhance Competitiveness

    Supporting a competitive and innovative industrial base in the EU, the EDF seeks to maintain the Union's technological edge.

  • 04 Support Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)

    The EDF includes measures to ensure that SMEs can participate and benefit from defence projects, enhancing their role in the defence supply chain.

The EDF (co)finances various types of activities, including feasibility studies, prototyping, and testing, focusing on projects that address identified capability gaps and priorities in the EU's defence landscape.

Annual Work Programmes

Each year, the European Commission publishes annual Work Programmes that outline the specific funding priorities, eligibility criteria, and application procedures for that year. These Work Programmes are essential for informing potential applicants about the focus areas and available opportunities within the EDF.

To access the most recent annual Work Programmes and other relevant information, you can visit the official European Commission page for the European Defence Fund:

European Defence Fund Overview
Annual Work Programmes

European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS) and European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP)

The European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS) and the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) are key initiatives by the European Union aimed at fostering innovation, collaboration, and technological advancements in the defence sector. EDIP is a Regulation proposed by the Commission to start implementing concrete measures identified in the EDIS. These initiatives are designed to enhance the EU's defence capabilities, promote strategic autonomy, and ensure a competitive and innovative defence industry.

European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS)

The European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS) and the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) are key initiatives by the European Union aimed at fostering innovation, collaboration, and technological advancements in the defence sector. These initiatives are designed to enhance the EU's defence capabilities, promote strategic autonomy, and ensure a competitive and innovative defence industry.

Key Objectives of EDIS:

Stimulate Innovation:

EDIS aims to foster a culture of innovation by funding cutting-edge research and development projects that address critical defence challenges.

Enhance Technological Edge:

By supporting the development of advanced technologies, EDIS seeks to maintain and enhance the EU's technological superiority in defence.

Support SMEs and Startups:

EDIS includes specific measures to encourage the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups, recognizing their role as key drivers of innovation.

Promote Dual-Use Technologies:

EDIS focuses on technologies that have both military and civilian applications, maximizing the broader impact of defence innovations.

European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP)

The EDIP is a Regulation proposed by the Commission designed to foster collaboration and partnerships among EU Member States, defence industries, research organizations, and other stakeholders. It aims to create a cohesive and integrated innovation ecosystem in the European defence sector.

Roles and Responsibilities of EDIP:

Facilitate Collaboration:

EDIP promotes joint research and development projects, bringing together diverse stakeholders to address common defence challenges.

Build Networks:

By creating networks of innovation actors, EDIP helps to share knowledge, best practices, and resources, enhancing the overall innovation capacity of the EU.

Support Technology Transfer:

EDIP encourages the transfer of technologies from research to practical applications, ensuring that innovative solutions are rapidly adopted and integrated into defence capabilities.

Promote Investment:

EDIP works to attract investments in defence innovation, both from public and private sources, to ensure sustained funding for groundbreaking projects.

By working together, EDIS and EDIP aim to create a dynamic and resilient innovation environment in the European defence sector. These initiatives are crucial for maintaining the EU's strategic autonomy, enhancing its defence capabilities, and ensuring a competitive and forward-looking defence industry.

Upcoming events

Belgian EDF Infoday 2026

The FPS Economy, in collaboration with the Belgian Ministry of Defence and the three regional authorities, is organising a national information day on the European Defence Fund (EDF). The event aims to raise awareness among Belgian stakeholders about the opportunities offered by the EDF, in the context of the upcoming EDF 2026 work programme. The session will provide practical insights into the application process, funding possibilities, and strategic priorities relevant to defence research and innovation. The infoday will be held in a hybrid format—on-site in Brussels, with online participation also available. Key Information Date: 10 February 2026 Location: Brussels / Online For more information or specific enquiries, please contact: nfp-edf@economie.fgov.be
  • 10 feb 2026 - 10 feb 2026
  • Belgium, Brussels
  • Registration
  • Hybrid
NFP
EDF
DEFIS

EDF Onsite Matchmaking 2026 - Prague

The Defence and Security Industry Association of the Czech Republic (AOBP), as a member of the EOA consortium, is organising the EDF Onsite Matchmaking 2026, under the auspices of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic. The event will take place on 17 February 2026, from 13:00 to 17:00 CET, at the DAP Hotel in Prague. This afternoon matchmaking forum is designed to bring together participants from across Europe who are planning to apply for the upcoming European Defence Fund (EDF) 2026 calls. It will provide a valuable platform for forging new partnerships and forming strong international consortia. Registration: Prague EDF On-site Matchmaking 2026 – Confiva Participants from industry, academia, and research institutions will have the opportunity to: Connect with other organisations interested in EDF 2026 topics Identify complementary expertise and discuss project ideas Build strategic consortia for upcoming proposals The event is open to entities interested in defence research and innovation under the EDF programme. More details, including the agenda and registration link, will be shared shortly. Key Information Date: 17 February 2026 Time: 13:00–17:00 CET Venue: DAP Hotel, Prague, Czech Republic Register for the onsite matchmaking here: Prague EDF On-site Matchmaking 2026 For inquiries, please contact: edf@aobp.cz.  We look forward to welcoming you in Prague.
  • 17 feb 2026 - 17 feb 2026
  • Czechia, Prague
  • Registration
  • On-site
NFP
EDF
EOA

Czech Industry Day 2026

Organised by the Defence and Security Industry Association of the Czech Republic (AOBP) in cooperation with enovation and other partners, the Czech Industry Day aims to present the Czech defence and security industrial base to international visitors and potential partners. The event will showcase selected Czech companies and highlight opportunities for cooperation within the European Defence Fund (EDF) and other European and international initiatives. The event will take place on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, from 09:00 to 12:00 CET, at Rustonka – Building R3, Sokolovská 695/115b, 186 00 Prague 8, in the enforum conference centre. Participants will gain an overview of the Czech defence industry landscape, explore collaboration opportunities, and engage in targeted networking and bilateral discussions. Registration possible via the following link: Czech Industry Day Registration. Please note that only participants with confirmed registration will be admitted to the event. Registration confirmation will be sent approximately one week prior to the event. Should you have any questions regarding the event, please contact the organizers at edf@aobp.cz The programme will be followed in the afternoon by an EDF On-site Matchmaking event held at Hotel DAP, Prague. Event Summary Date: 17 February 2026 Time: 09:00–12:00 CET Venue: Rustonka – Building R3, Sokolovská 695/115b, 186 00 Prague 8 Contact: edf@aobp.cz Registration: Czech Industry Day Registration
  • 17 feb 2026 - 17 feb 2026
  • Czechia, Prague
  • Registration
  • On-site
NFP
EDF
EOA

EDA Defence Industry Conference

Organised by the European Defence Agency (EDA), the EDA Defence Industry Conference 2026 focuses on strengthening cooperation, innovation, and resilience within the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) in response to Europe’s evolving security environment. The conference will take place on 26 February 2026, from 09:30 to 16:00, in a hybrid format, hosted at the European Parliament premises in Brussels. Programme Overview Opening addresses by EDA senior leadership and the Chair of the European Parliament SEDE Committee EDA briefings on: Industry engagement and Industry, Synergies & Enablers (ISE) activities Capability development and armament procurement Research, technology and innovation initiatives relevant to industry Panel discussion: Strengthening Cooperation and Interoperability in the European Defence Industry, with contributions from industry representatives, ASD and Members of the European Parliament Networking lunch for on-site participants Institutional updates from: The European Commission (DG DEFIS) on defence industry matters The European Investment Bank (EIB) Keynote address by the European External Action Service (EEAS) Panel discussion: Institutional and Industry Efforts to Secure Defence Supply Chains, addressing resilience, cooperation and strategic dependencies Concluding remarks by EDA and the SEDE Committee Chair All sessions will be complemented by interactive Q&A exchanges with participants. Key Information Date: 26 February 2026 Time: 09:30 – 16:00 Venue: European Parliament premises, Brussels Registration Participants are kindly requested to confirm their attendance by filling in the registration form before 9 February 2026 (COB). Confirmation of registration will be communicated by mid-February. For participants attending in person, an additional step will be required after confirmation, consisting of registration in the European Parliament’s internal system. A separate link for this process will be provided in due course.
  • 26 feb 2026 - 26 feb 2026
  • Belgium, Brussels
  • Registration
  • Hybrid
EDA

NFP Network (National Focal Points)

The NFP Network is an essential component of the EDF, comprising designated contact points in each EU Member State. These National Focal Points serve as the primary interface between the EDF and national stakeholders, including industry, research organizations, and government bodies.

Roles and Responsibilities of NFPs:

  • Information Dissemination

    NFPs provide up-to-date information about the EDF, including funding opportunities, application processes, and project requirements.

  • Support and Guidance

    They assist potential applicants in preparing proposals, navigating the application process, and ensuring compliance with EDF guidelines.

  • Networking and Partnering

    NFPs facilitate networking and collaboration among national and international stakeholders, helping to build consortia for joint projects.

  • Feedback and Reporting

    They collect feedback from national stakeholders on the implementation of the EDF and report to the European Commission, contributing to the continuous improvement of the fund.

By bridging the gap between the European Commission and national stakeholders, the NFP Network plays a crucial role in maximizing the impact and accessibility of the European Defence Fund.

NFP Contacts

EOA Project

The EOA project, backed by the EDF, involves 20 entities from 16 Member States and Norway, all of which are integral to or associated with the NFP network. These NFPs are tasked with assisting national stakeholders in applying for and managing EDF-funded projects.

More about EOA Project
None
None

News

Always be up to date and follow the news on LinkedIn.

Go to LinkedIn