The European Defence Fund (EDF)
The European Defence Fund (EDF) is the EU Commission’s initiative to support collaborative defence research and development, and to foster an innovative and competitive defence industrial base. The fund strongly encourages participation of small and medium – sized (SMEs) in collaborative projects and fosters breakthrough innovative solutions.
The EDF is implemented through annual work programmes for 2021 – 2027 with an overall budget of €8 billion. Additional information on the EDF, including the guide for applicants, is available.
EDF - National Focal Point (NFP)
The NFPs are individuals nominated by EU Member States and countries associated to the European Defence Fund. NFPs support the implementation of the European Defence Fund: working closely with DG DEFIS they reach out to stakeholders, notably applicants and potential applicants, provide information and advice to potential applicants and beneficiaries of the EDF programme and assist in building partnerships, throughout the EDF life cycle.
Irelands National Focal points are Mr Philip Mudge and Ms Gráinne O’Malley. The NFPs can be contacted at rti@defence.ie or use the contact form.
European Defence Agency (EDA)
The EDA was established under a Joint Action of the Council of Ministers on 12 July, 2004, "to support the Member States and the Council in their effort to improve European defence capabilities in the field of crisis management and to sustain the European Security and Defence Policy as it stands now and develops in the future”.
The EDA has three main missions:
- supporting the development of defence capabilities and military cooperation among the European Union Member States;
- stimulating defence Research and Technology (R&T) and strengthening the European defence industry;
- acting as a military interface to EU policies.
EDA - Research & Technology
With its specialised Capability Technology Groups (‘CapTechs’) composed of national experts, industry and research organisations, the EDA offers Member States a platform to engage in collaborative defence research projects which are of interest to them.
Additional information on EDA’s CapTechs.
EDA – Hub for EU Defence Innovation (HEDI)
In May 2022, the Hub for EU Defence Innovation (HEDI) was established within the EDA. The Hub will strengthen the Agency’s existing innovation activities but also initiate new ones, in close cooperation with Member States and EU stakeholders. HEDI will operate at the intersection of the EDA’s already existing innovation activities, serving as a catalyst and amplifier. HEDI’s activities will be focused on the agreed EU priorities for capability development (Capability Development Plan), defence research (Overarching Strategic Research Agenda) as well as industrial capabilities (Key Strategic Activities).
