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 2026

Registrations for the EDF Info Days 2026 are now open! See the link below. The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) is pleased to announce that the European Defence Fund (EDF) Info Days 2026 will take place on 10–11 March 2026, in a hybrid format, both in Brussels and online. This flagship annual event offers valuable insights into the EDF 2026 calls for proposals, provides the latest programme updates, and supports collaboration through international networking and pitching opportunities. Programme Highlights Day 1 – EDF 2026 Call Presentation DG DEFIS experts will present the new calls, outline recent programme developments, and provide practical guidance for preparing and submitting proposals. Day 2 – International Networking & Pitching Participants will engage in matchmaking sessions, thematic pitching, and the formation of R&D consortia for EDF-funded projects. Investor Sessions Dedicated time for investors and companies to explore funding opportunities, connect, and showcase innovative solutions in defence. This event is intended for potential applicants from public and private entities established in EU Member States and Norway. For details on eligibility, visit the EDF funding eligibility page. Registrations for the EDF Info Days 2026 are now open and can be found here: EDF Info Days 2026 Registration EDF Info Days 2026 is a key opportunity to gain insights, make connections, and prepare competitive proposals for the upcoming calls.
  • 10 mar 2026 - 11 mar 2026
  • Belgium, Brussels
  • Registration
  • Hybrid
NFP
EDF
DEFIS

IPEC 2026 – Defence & Security Online Conference

The IPEC 2026 – Defence & Security Online Conference is organised within the Transform_EMN project by the Nuremberg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK Nürnberg für Mittelfranken), with the participation of European industry, SMEs, research organisations, and public institutions. The event is supported by partners including the Province of North Brabant, a member of the ENDR network. The online conference will take place on 17 March 2026 and will address current challenges shaping Europe’s defence and security landscape, including geopolitical tensions, hybrid threats, advances in artificial intelligence, and vulnerabilities in supply chains. Conference Focus The programme will explore applied technologies that strengthen Europe’s security, resilience, and industrial capabilities, with particular emphasis on: AI-driven defence and security solutions Secure and embedded software systems Sovereign industrial AI Resilient positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) systems Trustworthy Voice AI Dual-use technologies and applications Through concrete use cases, the conference will demonstrate how AI, data, and autonomous systems can accelerate complex projects, reinforce critical infrastructure, and support resilient European value chains. Key Information Date: 17 March 2026 Format: Online Registration is available online via the organiser’s website.  
  • 17 mar 2026 - 17 mar 2026
  • Germany, Nuremberg
  • Registration
  • Online
ENDR

Space & Defense Festival Budapest 2026

The Space & Defense Festival Budapest 2026 is organised by HypeX Consulting and will take place on 26 March 2026 in Bálna Budapest. The event is Hungary’s largest space and defence forum, bringing together government decision-makers, industry leaders, international institutions, academia, diplomats, and experts to discuss key challenges facing the space and defence sectors. Key Information Date: 26 March 2026 Time: 09:00 – 17:00 Language: English and Hungarian Location: Bálna Budapest, Hungary Registration Registration is open via the event website: Space & Defense Festival 2026
  • 26 mar 2026 - 26 mar 2026
  • Hungary, Bálna Budapest
  • Registration
  • On-site

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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