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

Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) Industry Day

Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) Industry Day – 27 May 2025  The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) is pleased to announce the 2nd Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) Industry Day, taking place on 27 May 2025 at the NSPA Headquarters in Capellen, Luxembourg. The Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) is one of NATO’s High Visibility Projects, addressing the urgent need to develop a new generation of medium multi-role rotorcraft to replace current fleets, which will begin to phase out between 2035 and 2050. Following the extension of the NGRC initiative by Defence Ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom (with Canada expected to join in 2025), the programme is now entering its crucial Concept Design phase. This phase aims to define a preferred design solution by 2027, forming the basis for future development, production, and in-service support stages. Objectives of the Industry Day: To present the NSPA’s competitive acquisition strategy and upcoming activities related to the NGRC Concept Design phase To engage in discussion and gather feedback from prospective industry participants To offer networking opportunities and encourage partnerships among attending companies Event Details: Date: 27 May 2025 Venue: NSPA Headquarters, Capellen, Luxembourg Registration Deadline: 15 April 2025 Confirmation of Participation: By 27 April 2025 Participation Limit: Two representatives per company Optional: Submission of a two-page company profile to be shared with attendees for networking purposes Participation is by registration only, and acceptance will be based on: Eligibility: Companies must have legal residence and place of effective management in a NATO nation Qualification: Demonstrated experience in relevant aviation sectors (e.g., aircraft manufacturing, digital enablers, systems integration, logistics support, etc.) Priority will be given to new companies or those with limited past business with NSPA Space availability Please note: This Industry Day is not a pre-qualification or solicitation conference. Companies are asked to await confirmation before making travel arrangements. Tentative Agenda: 08:30 – 09:30: Arrival and in-processing 09:00 – 09:30: Welcome and administrative remarks 09:30 – 12:30: Briefing on the current status of the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) and future steps until 2029 12:30 – 13:30: Lunch break 13:30 – 14:30: Workshop on Life Cycle Costs (LCC): Discussion on key cost categories and assumptions for LCC estimates prior to design phase 14:45 – 15:45: Workshop on Open Systems Architecture (OSA) and Digital Engineering: Exploring OSA approaches and digital ecosystems to drive innovation and efficiencies 16:00 – 17:00: Workshop on Intellectual Property Rights and Export-Controlled Data: Reviewing data rights and considerations for various programme stakeholders 17:15 – 18:30: Workshop on Design, Development and Integration Planning: Roadmap for NGRC design, prototyping, milestones, risk reduction strategies 13:30 – 18:30: Networking opportunity: Dedicated space for discussions and side meetings among industry participants Registration: Companies interested in participating must complete the online registration form on the NSPA website by 15 April 2025. For more information: www.nspa.nato.int Email: industry.info@nspa.nato.int

  • 27 may 2025 - 27 may 2025
  • Luxembourg, Capellen
  • Registration
  • On-site
NATO

EDA “Air Superiority” Workshop with Industry

The European Defence Agency (EDA) will host the “Air Superiority” Workshop with Industry on 2–3 June 2025 at its premises in Brussels. The event is part of EDA’s ongoing effort to support the implementation of the 2023 EU Capability Development Priorities, with a focus on the air domain. This workshop aims to bring together defence industry representatives, national planners, and institutional experts to exchange views on three key air capability areas: Air Combat, Airborne Command and Inform Capabilities, and Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD). It offers a platform to assess current plans and identify potential for collaboration through Priority Implementation Roadmaps (PIRs), developed jointly by EDA and participating Member States. EDA invites companies from the EU defence and defence-related industry to contribute by submitting a short paper (maximum 1000 words) responding to two key points: a reflection on the PIRs (Air Combat, ACIC, or IAMD) and the company’s related activities, deliverables, and timelines; and any relevant additional views or proposals linked to the implementation of these priorities. Send your sumbissions until 28 April 2025 to ADU@eda.europa.eu, with a copy to CAP@eda.europa.eu. For any clarifications, contact EDA via this e-mail: ADU@eda.europa.eu. Based on an internal evaluation, selected companies will be invited to present their work at the workshop in a 10–15 minute presentation. Presenters will also be asked to submit a read-ahead paper or presentation, which will be included in the participants' briefing package. Presentations will be grouped into three thematic sessions corresponding to the air domain priorities mentioned above (Air Transport and Military Mobility are not part of this workshop). Each session will include both a presentation segment and a moderated discussion. Depending on the number of accepted submissions, the timing of individual sessions may be adjusted accordingly. This workshop takes place at a critical time for EU defence, in light of ongoing multinational efforts and recent initiatives such as the Letters of Intent signed by Member States on IAMD, Loitering Munitions, and Electronic Warfare (November 2024), as well as proposals like the European Defence White Paper and the ReArm Europe Plan. Preliminary Agenda: Day 1 – 2nd June 2025 | EDA Premises, Room B5 09:00–09:15 – Welcoming words and administrative announcements (EDA) 09:15–10:15 – Introduction of workshop objectives and overview of PIRs (EDA) 10:15–10:30 – General industry perspectives (ASD – to be confirmed) 10:30–10:45 – Coffee break 10:45–12:15 – Industry presentations: Integrated Air and Missile Defence (Session 1) 12:15–13:15 – Lunch break 13:15–14:45 – Continued industry presentations: IAMD 14:45–15:00 – Coffee break 15:00–16:30 – Discussion: Integrated Air and Missile Defence 16:30–17:00 – Conclusions and closing remarks (EDA) Day 2 – 3rd June 2025 | EDA Premises, Room B5 09:00–09:15 – Welcoming words and administrative announcements (EDA) 09:15–10:00 – Introduction to day two and PIR updates (EDA) 10:00–11:30 – Industry presentations: Airborne Command & Inform Capabilities (Session 2) 11:30–12:15 – Discussion: Airborne Command & Inform Capabilities 12:15–13:15 – Lunch break 13:15–14:45 – Industry presentations: Air Combat (Session 3) 14:45–15:00 – Coffee break 15:00–16:30 – Discussion: Air Combat 16:30–17:00 – Final conclusions and closing remarks (EDA) A final agenda and logistical information will be shared with selected participants ahead of the event. This workshop offers a timely opportunity for industry to engage directly with EU capability planners, shape future collaborative projects, and support the development of key defence priorities in the air domain.

  • 2 jun 2025 - 3 jun 2025
  • Belgium, Brussels
  • Registration
  • On-site
EDA

EDA Defence Industry Workshop

The European Defence Agency (EDA) invites representatives from the European defence industry, national defence industry associations (NDIAs), and the Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD) to attend the EDA Defence Industry Workshop, taking place on Tuesday, 10 June 2025, from 10:30 to 14:30 in a hybrid format – both on-site at EDA premises in Brussels and online. This workshop is part of EDA’s ongoing structured dialogue with industry and will provide updates on the Agency’s latest initiatives in capability development, research and innovation, and support to industry, as well as contributions from the European Commission (DG DEFIS) and the European External Action Service (EEAS). In light of growing EU-level efforts to strengthen defence readiness and industrial resilience, the event will explore key opportunities to align industrial capabilities with strategic EU defence priorities. In-person participation is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis, while Member State representatives are invited to attend online. Highlights of the Programme: Institutional updates from EDA, DG DEFIS, and EEAS Networking lunch and informal exchange Structured discussion with industry representatives on key strategic themes: Ramping Up Production Volumes - Current progress and challenges ahead Supply Chain Resilience - Stockpiling, circularity, and industrial mutual support Draft Agenda: 10:00–10:30 – Registration & welcome coffee 10:30–10:40 – Welcome address (Sean White, ISE Director) 10:40–10:50 – Capability Development and Armament Procurement – Update 11:10–11:20 – Research, Technology and Innovation – Update 11:40–12:00 – Security of Supply, Key Strategic Activities and wider EU policies – Update 12:00–12:10 – European Commission (DG DEFIS) update 12:10–12:20 – EEAS update 12:20–13:00 – Networking Lunch 13:00–14:30 – Structured discussion with industry Participants are kindly requested to confirm their attendance by filling in this form, before 2 June 2025 COB. All registered participants for online attendance will receive an email with the link for access to the video teleconference and necessary details for connection.

  • 10 jun 2025 - 10 jun 2025
  • Belgium, Brussels
  • Registration
  • Hybrid
EDA

55th International Paris Air Show

The International Paris Air Show, organised by SIAE, a subsidiary of the French Aerospace Industries Association (GIFAS), is the world’s largest and most prestigious aerospace industry event. The 55th edition will take place from 16 to 22 June 2025 at Le Bourget near Paris, France. The show serves as a global hub for aerospace professionals, defence and security stakeholders, and enthusiasts alike. It brings together industry leaders, innovators, and international delegations, showcasing the latest technological advancements, fostering strategic partnerships, and promoting excellence and cooperation in aerospace and defence. Register now or find out more here: https://www.siae.fr/en/  

  • 16 jun 2025 - 22 jun 2025
  • France, Le Bourget, France
  • Fee
  • On-site
NFP
EDF
ENDR
EDA
DEFIS
EU EXPO
EOA

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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