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.

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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.

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 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

Space Tech Expo Europe

Space Tech Expo Europe is the premier European event dedicated to space engineering and technology. It brings together key players from across the space supply chain to showcase innovations in launch services, satellite operations, ground systems, software, components, and dual-use technologies. Taking place in Bremen, one of Europe’s main aerospace hubs, the event provides a platform for industry professionals, researchers, and policymakers to connect, explore the latest developments, and establish strategic partnerships. The 2025 edition will feature an exhibition, technical sessions, and B2B networking opportunities. Date: 18–20 November 2025 Location: Bremen, Germany To register and view the full programme, visit the official event page. 

  • 18 nov 2025 - 20 nov 2025
  • Germany, Bremen, Germany
  • Registration
  • On-site
EU EXPO

Milipol Paris

Milipol Paris, the leading event for homeland security and safety, is organised every two years under the aegis of the French Ministry for the Interior, in partnership with national and international institutions and governmental bodies. In 2023, it hosted over 1,100 exhibitors and welcomed more than 30,000 visitors. The next edition will take place from 18 to 21 November 2025 at Paris Nord Villepinte in Paris, France. More information and registration available via this link.

  • 18 nov 2025 - 21 nov 2025
  • France, Paris Nord Villepinte
  • Registration
  • On-site
EDF
ENDR
DEFIS
EU EXPO

ENDR Conference Tampere 2025 – Rapid Civilian Innovation Development and Dual-Use in European Defence

The European Commission’s DG DEFIS, together with the Tampere Region Safety and Security Cluster under the framework of the European Network of Defence-related Regions (ENDR), invites you to Tampere, Finland, for a high-level European conference on 2–3 December 2025 at Tampere Hall. Titled “Rapid Civilian Innovation Development and Dual-Use in European Defence”, the event will serve as a European forum for dual-use innovation. Tampere, recognised as the heartland of Finland’s defence industry and home to key units of the Finnish Defence Forces, leading companies, and research institutions, provides the ideal backdrop for this conference. The programme will bring together industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, innovators, and end-users to explore how civilian innovation can strengthen European defence capabilities. Thematic focus areas: Geopolitical Context: The impact of shifting global dynamics and regional security challenges on European defence strategies and innovation. Insights from Ukraine: Civilian technologies adapted for military use, offering lessons on resilience and hybrid warfare. Hybrid Warfare and Resilience: Cybersecurity, crisis management, supply chain robustness, and comprehensive security approaches. End-User Perspectives: The needs of military services and industry, and their influence on innovation and market dynamics. Industry and Academia Views: The role of research institutions, universities, and technology companies in advancing dual-use solutions.   Click here to register.   Date: 2–3 December 2025 Venue: Tampere Hall, Tampere, Finland Programme and Confirmed Speakers (subject to updates) 2 December 2025 – Full-day plenary and networking Geopolitical Context (Panel) TBC, European Commission (DG DEFIS) Esa Pulkkinen, Lieutenant General, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence of Finland Insights from Ukraine Valeriia Soloviova, International Partnerships Manager, Come Back Alive Anastasiia Voitova, Head of Security Engineering, Cossack Labs Peter Salo, Finnish drone veteran from the Ukraine frontline Andriy Chulyk, CEO, Sine Engineering Hybrid Warfare and Resilience Dr. Vesa Valtonen, Brigadier General, Finnish Defence Forces Dr. Daivis Petraitis, Baltic Defence College Dr. Viljar Veebel, Baltic Defence College and Latvian Institute of International Affairs Prof. Dr. Eugenijus Valatka, Rector, Kaunas University of Technology Evening Networking reception and dinner 3 December 2025 – Half-day plenary and site visits End-User Perspectives Lt. Gen. Jari Mikkonen, Deputy Chief of Staff, Armament and Logistics, Finnish Defence Forces Steen Søndergaard, NATO Chief Scientist Col. (ret.) Jyri Kosola, former Research Director, Finnish Defence Forces Enrico Annus, CSEL, Utti Jaeger Regiment, Finnish Defence Forces Industry and Academia Views Kari Renko, Executive VP, Strategic Programs, Patria Tuure Lehtoranta, VP Sales and Marketing, Insta Group Jani Pelkonen, Head of Engineering, Saab Technology Center, Saab Finland Sirkku Linna, Director General, Ministry of Education and Culture, Finland Prof. Markku-Juhani Saarinen, Tampere University Industry Pitching Session Open to European SMEs. Companies may register interest when signing up. Ten will be selected to pitch. Site Visits Saab Technology Center Tampere University (with a focus on dual-use technologies and advanced chip development) Event Host and Moderator Charly Salonius-Pasternak, CEO, Nordic West Office Full programme and further updates available at  ENDR Conference Tampere 2025

  • 2 dec 2025 - 3 dec 2025
  • Finland, Tampere
  • Registration
  • On-site
ENDR

Aerospace & Defense Meetings Torino

Over the past editions, A&DM Torino has established itself as the only international matchmaking event for the aerospace and defense industry in Italy. Across three days, participating companies have the chance to meet, build targeted business relations and develop new projects with partners from all over the world. We are constantly evolving to meet industry demands and are unlike other typical aerospace events. A&DM Torino connects OEMs and their Tier 1 & 2 suppliers with manufacturers and service providers from both civil and defense aviation, through a series of individually tailored one-to-one meetings. Date: 2-4 December 2025 Venue: Oval Lingotto Fiere, Torino, Italy Click here to find more information and register!

  • 2 dec 2025 - 4 dec 2025
  • Italy, Torino, Italy
  • Registration
  • On-site

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
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