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 Onsite Matchmaking 2026 - Prague

The Defence and Security Industry Association of the Czech Republic (AOBP), as a member of the EOA consortium, is organising the EDF Onsite Matchmaking 2026, under the auspices of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic. The event will take place on 17 February 2026, from 13:00 to 17:00 CET, at the DAP Hotel in Prague. This afternoon matchmaking forum is designed to bring together participants from across Europe who are planning to apply for the upcoming European Defence Fund (EDF) 2026 calls. It will provide a valuable platform for forging new partnerships and forming strong international consortia. Participants from industry, academia, and research institutions will have the opportunity to: Connect with other organisations interested in EDF 2026 topics Identify complementary expertise and discuss project ideas Build strategic consortia for upcoming proposals The event is open to entities interested in defence research and innovation under the EDF programme. More details, including the agenda and registration link, will be shared shortly. Key Information Date: 17 February 2026 Time: 13:00–17:00 CET Venue: DAP Hotel, Prague, Czech Republic For inquiries, please contact: edf@aobp.cz.  We look forward to welcoming you in Prague.
  • 17 feb 2026 - 17 feb 2026
  • Czechia, Prague
  • Registration
  • On-site
NFP
EDF
EOA

BATTLEFIELD ReDEFiNED 2026

DG DEFIS together with ENDR member CARIE and the Cyprus Defence & Space Industry Cluster, invites you to the high-level hybrid forum Battlefield ReDEFINED 2026, held under the framework of the European Network of Defence-related Regions (ENDR). Taking place on 26–27 February 2026 at the Pavilion Hall in Nicosia, Cyprus, the event is organised under the auspices of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Set in a historically strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, this two-day forum will spotlight the role of dual-use innovation in strengthening European security, defence, and space resilience. The event will bring together a conference programme and a static exhibition featuring Cypriot and European manufacturers. It will provide a platform for policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and innovators to engage with the latest trends shaping the European defence innovation ecosystem. Thematic Focus Shaping the Future of the Cypriot Defence & Security Ecosystem Developments in Cyprus' defence and security SME landscape, supported by European funding instruments. Dual-Use Innovations: Bridging Civil and Military Needs Adaptation of civilian technologies for conflict zones and defence applications. Force Multipliers & Future Capabilities Comprehensive security models, cyber resilience, crisis response, and supply chain challenges, with lessons from across Europe. Open to professionals from the defence, technology, and policy sectors, including: Defence and security professionals Civilian tech innovators Government and EU representatives Academia and research institutions Ethics and legal experts SMEs and startups International organisations and media Key Information Date: 26–27 February 2026 Location: Pavilion Hall, Nicosia, Cyprus More details, including registration and the full programme, will be available soon on the ENDR website.
  • 26 feb 2026 - 27 feb 2026
  • Cyprus, Nicosia
  • Registration
  • On-site
ENDR

EDF Info Days 2026

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. Registration Registration will open in mid-December 2025. A link will be provided as soon as available. 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

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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