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

EDF Info Days 2025

The European Commission invites you to the EDF Info Days 2025, a key event for exploring funding opportunities under the European Defence Fund (EDF) 2025. Taking place in a hybrid format (Brussels & online) on April 2–3, 2025, this event offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into EDF funding, connect with potential partners, and strengthen your project proposals. Participants will have access to a detailed presentation of the EDF 2025 calls for proposals by DG DEFIS experts, along with insights into the submission process and available funding opportunities. The event will feature thematic pitch sessions to help attendees find partners, form R&D consortia, and refine project ideas. The EU Defence Investor Day will connect investors with defence innovators, offering additional funding opportunities. Throughout the event, there will be matchmaking sessions, both on-site and virtually, before, during, and after the event. The event is open to public and private entities from EU Member States and Norway interested in applying for EDF 2025 funding. Eligibility details can be found on the EDF webpage. Key deadlines:  Pitch presentation proposal submission deadline: February 28, 2025 Registration deadline: March 14, 2025 Don’t miss this chance and register now via this link!
  • 2 apr 2025 - 3 apr 2025
  • Belgium, The Square, Brussels
  • Registration
  • Hybrid
NFP
EDF
DEFIS

ENDR Conference: The resilient Soldier, Healthcare and MCM in the defence sector

ENDR Conference: Maintenance in Defence
  • 6 may 2025 - 7 may 2025
  • Denmark, Aalborg
  • Registration
  • On-site
ENDR
EU EXPO

EUDIS Defence Hackathon Prague

Join the EUDIS Defence Hackathon, part of the European Defence Fund's EUDIS (European Defence Innovation Scheme), which supports cutting-edge solutions to technological defence challenges. Designed for start-ups, small tech companies, university teams, and innovators, the Hackathon is your chance to solve real-world defence problems and gain visibility across the European defence ecosystem. From May 9–11, 2025, eight simultaneous hackathons across EU Member States and Norway – including one in Czech Republic – will focus on three pressing defence challenges. The event is followed by a mentorship programme and an exclusive EU-wide live pitching final. The EUDIS Defence Hackathon 2025 invites participants to develop solutions to three key defence challenges. Teams can focus on designing portable, durable, and cost-effective surveillance systems to improve frontline situational awareness; creating scalable, lightweight, and affordable protective gear for soldiers; or developing AI-driven tools to support medics and soldiers in diagnosing injuries and prioritizing care in high-pressure combat situations. Who Can Participate? Citizens AND residents of EU Member States, Norway, or Ukraine, aged 18 or older Teams must consist of at least 2 members and submit a project Proof of eligibility is required during the hackathon How to Apply Register now on the TAIKAI platform Click LOG IN TO JOIN, create your account, complete the registration form, and assemble your team via the matchmaking section. Don’t miss the opportunity to innovate, collaborate, and gain recognition across Europe’s defence landscape. For updates and registration, visit: TAIKAI Platform – EUDIS Hackathon Registration Deadline: May 5, 2025 The EUDIS Defence Hackathon 2025 kicks off with pre-hackathon webinars taking place from March to April 2025, offering participants valuable insights and tips from experts. The registration period closes on May 5, 2025. The hackathon itself will run from May 9 to May 11, 2025, simultaneously across eight locations in the EU, including the Czech Republic. Winning teams will then advance to a two-month mentorship programme held from May 15 to July 9, 2025, providing 40 hours of expert guidance to further develop their solutions. The programme concludes with an EU-wide live pitching final on July 9, 2025, where teams will present their ideas to representatives from EU Member States and compete for recognition and awards.  For more information and to register, please visit the TAIKAI platform – EUDIS Hackathon page. Stay tuned, as specific details on the Czech Republic’s local prizes will be announced shortly. Don’t miss your chance to innovate, collaborate, and make an impact on Europe’s defence future.
  • 9 may 2025 - 11 may 2025
  • Czechia, Prague
  • Registration
  • On-site
EDF
DEFIS

FEINDEF 2025

Join FEINDEF 2025, Spain’s International Defence and Security Exhibition, taking place from May 12 to 14, 2025, at IFEMA Feria de Madrid in Madrid, Spain. This on-site event brings together industry professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore the latest innovations and advancements in the defence and security sector. With exhibitions, conferences, and networking opportunities, FEINDEF offers a unique platform to connect with national and international entities. Registration is required. For more details, visit the official FEINDEF website: https://www.feindef.com/index.php/en/ 
  • 12 may 2025 - 14 may 2025
  • Spain, Madrid
  • Registration
  • On-site
NFP
EDF

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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