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

Czech EDF Infoday 2025

On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic, in collaboration with the Defence and Security Industry Association of the Czech Republic, will host the European Defence Fund InfoDay 2025. This event will offer valuable insights into the European Defence Fund (EDF) program and highlight the support available from Czech entities for EDF-related initiatives. Alongside informative sessions, the InfoDay will serve as a networking platform for enterprises, encouraging collaboration and partnerships within the defence sector. Date: February 4, 2025 Time: 9:00 – 14:00 Venue: Hotel DAP, Prague Please note: The event will be conducted exclusively in Czech. Contact jaromir.truksa@mo.gov.cz to register for the Czech EDF InfoDay 2025.
  • 4 feb 2025 - 4 feb 2025
  • Czechia, Prague
  • Registration
  • On-site
NFP
EDF

Spanish EDF Infoday 2025

Spanish EDF Infoday 2025
  • 20 feb 2025 - 20 feb 2025
  • Spain, Madrid
  • Registration
  • On-site
NFP
EDF

Belgian EDF Infoday 2025

On Friday, February 21, 2025, the SPF Economy, in collaboration with the Belgian Ministry of Defence (MoD), will host the Belgian Infoday. This event will provide valuable insights into the European Defence Fund (EDF) program and highlight the support available from Belgian and regional entities for EDF-related initiatives. In addition to informative sessions, the Infoday will serve as a networking platform for enterprises, fostering collaboration and partnerships within the defence sector. Contact nfp-edf@economie.fgov.be to register for the Belgian infoday.
  • 21 feb 2025 - 21 feb 2025
  • Belgium, Brussels
  • Registration
  • On-site
NFP
EDF
DEFIS

2025 European Defence Fund Industry & Matchmaking Day - Space4Defence

We are pleased to invite you to our upcoming 2025 European Defence Fund Industry & Matchmaking Day - Space4Defence. This matchmaking day will bring together innovative startups, SMEs, research organisations and large companies interested in and eligible to apply to the calls for proposals of the European Defence Fund (EDF), the EU programme dedicated to advancing collaborative research in innovative defence products and technologies. The aim is to help them connect with partners who have specific expertise or solutions, form consortia, and spark new ideas through collaborative meetings. Participants will be able to present their solutions and explore collaboration opportunities within the space domain in view of the EDF 2025 calls for proposals. Startups and SMEs will have the opportunity to pitch their companies and solutions. The full programme of the event will soon be made available. Registration https://www.b2match.com/e/space4defence2025  Please note that places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, to ensure broad participation, we may need to limit the number of representatives from each company. We recommend early registration to secure your spot. We look forward to your participation! GovSatCom conference The Space4Defence event is organised back-to-back with the GovSatCom 2025 – Conference for Security and Defence, which will take place in Luxembourg on 27 February 2025. This event is dedicated to defence and security talks and topics, covered by internationally renowned speakers, and offers opportunities to meet key players and influencers. The Space4Defence event is organised as part of the European Defence Fund National Focal Points “Enhanced Opportunities for All” project, funded by the European Commission, with the support of the Enterprise Europe Network.
  • 26 feb 2025 - 26 feb 2025
  • Luxembourg, European Convention Center Luxembourg
  • Registration
  • On-site
EDF
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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