Regional and European contributions to defence area: aligning priorities and funding strategies

The Polish NCBR Office in Brussels, together with Łukasiewicz – Institute of Aviation (Ł-ILOT) and the Polish Armament Group (PGZ), and with the support of the Ministry of Defence, invite you to an event dedicated to shaping the future of European defence cooperation under the European Defence Fund (EDF). This dynamic discussion and brokerage event, titled “Forging Alliances for European Security”, will provide a platform to exchange ideas, present project concepts, and foster cooperation in defence research and innovation within the EDF and the wider European defence community. Key Objectives: Foster EDF community engagement Strengthen cross-border collaboration Drive innovation for a more unified and resilient European defence sector Event Details: Date: 22 September 2025 Time: 14:00 – 19:00, followed by a networking reception Venue: Rue Belliard 40, Brussels (5th floor) Mark your calendars and join this important occasion to help shape the next chapter of European defence innovation. The detailed agenda will be shared closer to the event. Contact Person: Maciej Zdanowicz, EU Policy Advisor, NCBR Office in Brussels +32 488 477 284 e: maciej.zdanowicz@ncbr.gov.pl

In the framework of the European Network of Defence-related Regions (ENDR), the European Commission’s DG DEFIS, together with AED Cluster Portugal – the Portuguese Aeronautics, Space and Defence Industry Association – will host the European conference “Advancing European Cyber Defence and Cybersecurity: Technologies, Operations and Opportunities”. The event will take place on 1–2 October 2025 at the Centro Cultural de Belém in Lisbon. The conference will focus on the cyber domain and its central role in strengthening resilience and security across both civilian and defence sectors. Discussions will address emerging technologies and services such as quantum-secure communications, AI-enabled response, red teaming and blockchain applications. Further sessions will highlight operational preparedness, situational awareness, protection of networks and infrastructures, cyber vigilance and incident response. Attention will also be given to European instruments supporting dual-use innovation, defence R&D and cybersecurity. The event will bring together a wide European audience, including defence, aerospace and ICT companies, operational experts from both the military and civilian spheres, research institutions, academia, as well as institutional representatives and policymakers. Preliminary Agenda 1 October: Opening evening with keynote and networking cocktail 2 October: Full-day conference with plenary sessions, thematic panels, institutional contributions and B2B/F2F meetings Date: 1–2 October 2025 Location: Centro Cultural de Belém, Lisbon, Portugal More details on the agenda, confirmed speakers and registration can be found on event website here. 

On 15 October 2025, from 14:30 to 16:00 CET, a session titled “Regions Strengthening the EU Defence Industry: Dual-use for a Resilient European Defence Innovation Ecosystem” will take place at Van Maerlant, VMA23, Brussels as part of the European Week of Regions and Cities. Regions and cities play a crucial role in tackling EU security and defence challenges. This session will examine how regional actions can reinforce a resilient European defence industry. Partner regions will share approaches on dual-use innovation, SME support, supply chain resilience, and strategies for the broader defence innovation ecosystem. The programme will highlight the role of regional innovation agencies and foster an interactive debate through political insights, success stories, and open discussion. The session also aims to produce a position paper outlining key recommendations for strengthening Europe’s security, competitiveness, and strategic autonomy. Date: 15 October 2025 Time: 14:30 – 16:00 CET Location: Van Maerlant, VMA23, Brussels Registrater via this link!

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.