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.

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

2nd NFPs Training Workshop

As part of the Enhancing Opportunities for All (EOA) project under the European Defence Fund (EDF), the Croatian Defence Industry Competitiveness Cluster (CDICC) – lead beneficiary and coordinator of Work Package 2: Capacity Building for National Focal Points (NFPs) – will host the second training workshop for EDF NFPs, alternates, and other members of national EDF teams, on 26-28 November 2025, in Slovenia. The workshop aims to strengthen practical knowledge and skills with a particular focus on the Slovenian EDF experience (both from consortia leaders and partners). Topics will include IPR in partnership agreements and consortia development. As part of a twinning arrangement, the Slovenian Ministry of Defence will present its experience with EDF participation and emerging challenges. Participants will also be introduced to the Defence Industry Cluster of Slovenia (GOIS), with discussions on national approaches to innovation, research and development, and the exchange of good practices. Locations: Training venue: Elegans Hotel Brdo / Kongresni Center Brdo Predoslje 39, 4000 Kranj, Slovenia Hotel website Twinning session (Day 3): Defence Industry Cluster of Slovenia (GOIS) Dimičeva ulica 13, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Shuttle transport from Kranj to Ljubljana will be arranged Date: 26–28 November 2025 Cities: Kranj and Ljubljana, Republic of Slovenia Registration: Participants are kindly requested to register by email at info@hkkoi.hr Please note: Attendance is subject to confirmation by CDICC. For more details or questions, contact the organisers via the email above.
  • 26 nov 2025 - 28 nov 2025
  • Slovenia, Kranj, Ljubljana, Republic of Slovenia
  • Registration
  • On-site
NFP
EDF

Forum Innovation Défense

The French Forum Innovation Défense brings together all ministerial stakeholders and their partners for three days to discuss innovations supported by the French Ministry of the Armed Forces. Held in Paris from 27 to 29 November 2025, the forum highlights advancements in defence technology and showcases collaborative efforts across government, industry, and research institutions. The first two days, Thursday 27 November and Friday 28 November, are reserved for professionals and will feature panel discussions, conferences, pitch sessions, and innovation awards. The final day, Saturday 29 November, is open to the general public and includes exhibitions and presentations on defence innovation. Event Details Date: 27–29 November 2025 Location: Paris, France General information: Available online here Click here to register. (Professionals) Agenda by Day 27 November – Professional Programme Day 1 Online programme 28 November – Professional Programme Day 2 Online programme 29 November – Public Programme Online programme  The full programme is available online and will be regularly updated.
  • 27 nov 2025 - 29 nov 2025
  • France, Paris Expo Porte de Versailles - Pavillon 2.2 1 Place de la Porte de Versailles - 75015 PARIS FRANCE
  • Registration
  • On-site
NFP
ENDR
EDA
DEFIS
EU EXPO

2nd EDMN Workshop: Materials-Driven Innovation for Defense Applications

The European Defence Materials Network (EDMN) invites you to the second edition of its workshop, taking place on 1 December 2025 at Nordmetall GmbH in Neukirchen, Germany, from 12:00 to 16:30 CET. This half-day workshop will focus on accelerating collaboration between material developers and defence stakeholders. Participants will explore how innovative materials solutions can meet current and future defence needs through practical demonstrations and networking. Workshop Highlights: Keynote presentations from leaders in industry and research Two “speed-dating” rounds across six expert stations (held in English and German) Networking opportunities and a final wrap-up discussion Direct engagement with agile materials innovators and solution providers Expert Station Topics: Participants will rotate through expert-led stations focused on Digitalisation of materials innovation Defence materials by design Simulation: From model to mission From digital twin to field-ready validation End-to-end realisation: from prototype to production One hub for SME-driven defence materials innovation This workshop is ideal for materials developers, SMEs, defence system integrators, and innovation stakeholders looking to explore collaborative potential in defence materials R&D. Event Details: 📅 Date: 1 December 2025 📍 Location: Nordmetall GmbH, Neukirchen/Chemnitz, Germany Registration: To register or for further information, please visit www.EDMN.eu Confirm participation by 20 November 2025.
  • 1 dec 2025 - 1 dec 2025
  • Germany, Nordmetall GmbH, Neukirchen/Chemnitz
  • Registration
  • On-site
EDF

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

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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