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

SIDEC 2025

SIDEC 2025 – International Defence Exhibition and Conference  The Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia, the Slovenian Armed Forces, and the Slovenian Defence Industry Cluster invite you to participate in SIDEC 2025, the first International Defence Exhibition and Conference in Slovenia, taking place from October 21 to 24, 2025, at the Celje Fairground, Celje, Slovenia. This key regional event will focus on next-generation defence technologies and innovations, offering a platform for high-level networking and knowledge exchange. Attendees will include senior military officials, procurement decision-makers, international attachés, economic advisors, and experts from research and development sectors. Main Features of SIDEC 2025: Exhibition Area: Showcase your cutting-edge technologies to a professional audience of defence and security stakeholders. Professional Conference:  Cybersecurity Future Technologies Energy Efficiency and Resilience Artificial Intelligence Networking: Opportunities to meet potential business partners, defence sector leaders, and end-users. Participation: Attendance requires prior registration. For more information and registration, please contact info@sidec.si or visit www.sidec.si and LinkedIN profile. Register using this link!   Important Deadlines: Exhibition Area Registration Deadline: May 30, 2025 Catalogue Advertisement Submission Deadline: September 1, 2025 Exhibition Space Rental Prices (excluding VAT 22%): Indoor Unequipped Exhibition Space: 300 EUR/m² (minimum 9 m²) Mandatory ecological fee: 2 EUR/m² Outdoor Unequipped Exhibition Space: 150 EUR/m² (minimum 9 m²) Mandatory ecological fee: 2 EUR/m² No alternative indoor space in case of bad weather The unequipped space does not include floor covering, partition walls, furniture, or fascia board. Additional equipment (floor, walls, tables, etc.) can be ordered via the Exhibitor’s Instructions or by contacting the technical organizer. Additional Promotional Opportunities: Website (Frontpage): Alternately visible online banner (1200 x 200 px): 980 EUR/banner Logo: 550 EUR/logo At the Event (Advertising Spaces): Jumbo poster (Dečkova cesta, 400x300 cm): 2,000 EUR/piece Jumbo poster (Fairgrounds, 500x240 cm): 1,600 EUR/piece Own free-standing billboard (70x100 cm): 850 EUR/piece Banner (Hall K roof structure, 500x200 cm): 2,000 EUR/piece Flag (in front of halls D and L, 400x300 cm): 500 EUR/piece LED screen advertising (main entrance, 1152x384 px): 1,600 EUR/two days Online Catalogue: Full-page ad (210x297 mm + 3 mm bleed): 1,500 EUR Half-page ad (210x148 mm + 3 mm bleed): 980 EUR Logo placement: 750 EUR/logo Deadline for ads submission: September 1, 2025 Online Advertising Package: Highlighted LinkedIn post (1 time) + sponsored post worth 50 EUR: 750 EUR/package Sponsorship Opportunities: Tailor-made sponsorship packages are available upon request. For individual sponsorship offers, contact: Mr. Tihomir Kovačič tihomir.kovacic@proevent.si | +386 1 300 32 08   Contacts for Participation: General Information & Registration: info@sidec.si www.sidec.si Technical Organizer – Proevent d.o.o.: Exhibition Space Rental: Mr. Jaka Avbelj jaka.avbelj@proevent.si | +386 1 300 32 05 Exhibition Space Planning & Equipment: Mr. Edis Kaltak edis.kaltak@proevent.si | +386 1 300 32 26 For sponsorship inquiries, advertising, or any additional information, please refer to the above contacts or visit www.sidec.si.  
  • 21 oct 2025 - 24 oct 2025
  • Slovenia, Celje
  • Registration
  • On-site
NFP
EDF
EDA
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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