On 3 July, the European Commission proposed five new large-scale projects, known as the European Defence Projects of Common Interest (EDPCIs), to help EU countries strengthen their defence capabilities by developing key military systems together.
The industrial projects focus on five priority areas: drones and counter-drone systems; maritime and seabed defence; space; air and missile defence; as well as strengthening security along the EU’s Eastern Flank. They come in response to a Commission call for expression of interest to Member States to submit project proposals for possible EDPCIs.
Under the €1.5 billion European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), the Commission has allocated €325 million to support the establishment and deployment of the EDPCIs, as set out in the work programme published on 30 March 2026.
The new projects provide a framework for EU countries to work together on major defence initiatives that are too large or too complex for individual countries to develop on their own. By supporting long-term cooperation, they aim to strengthen Europe’s defence industry and improve the EU’s ability to respond to shared security challenges, in line with NATO capability priorities.
On average, 18 member states participate in each project and Ukraine participates in four of the five projects. The Commission is expected to take part in the EDPCIs, provide financial support and continue supporting member states coordinate their implementation. It will also monitor progress against agreed milestones to support the timely delivery of the EDPCIs projects.
Next steps
The Council will now deliberate on the formal establishment of the EDPCIs, identifying their objectives and characteristics, the participating countries, and the estimated investment expected to be generated by the EDPCI.
After the Council adopts of the list of identified EDPCIs, those will become eligible to receive EU funding through the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) in accordance with a dedicated procedure. Their funding will enable the projects’ initial deployment and lay the foundation for possible further funding via the upcoming European Competitiveness Fund.
Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy Executive Vice President Henna Virkkunen:
“Through these flagship joint defence projects, we are strengthening Europe’s security and defence capabilities. These initiatives reinforce our capacity to safeguard our sovereignty under all circumstances and deepen European defence cooperation. We need to move faster, produce more together and invest in our security and that is exactly what we are doing. We are also supporting Ukraine. The EDPCIS will help us deliver more effectively, reinforce our industrial base, and show that Europe stands ready to match its words with action.”
Defence and Space Commissioner Andrius Kubilius:
“These new, ambitious, and long-term defence projects will act as key initiatives to strengthen EU defence readiness and bolster our strategic autonomy. The EDPCIs we are proposing today will make a direct contribution to the development of a European Air, Maritime and Space Shield, enhanced Drone and Counter-Drone Capabilities, and securing the Eastern Flank Watch. With a combined funding ambition of around €190 billion by 2036, they will play a key role in strengthening the Member States’ capabilities and keep Europe and Europeans safe.”
Background
The EDIP Regulation was adopted on 16 December 2025. This instrument aims to strengthen and modernise Europe’s defence industry, secure the availability of cutting-edge technology, ramp-up production capacity, support common procurement and also resilience via that steady supply of military equipment to the armed forces of the member states and the reinforcement of the supply chains.
The Regulation introduces the establishment of EDPCIs as future ambitious collaborative industrial projects aimed to benefit a broader part of the EU and open also to Norway and Ukraine.
For more information
- Proposal for a Council Implementing Decision on the establishment of European Projects of Common Interest
- Factsheet on Drone and Counter Drone European Resolve
- Factsheet on Integrated Maritime and Seabed Defence
- Factsheet on Space
- Factsheet on EU Federated Integrated Air and Missile Defence including Early Warning
- Factsheet on Eastern Flank Watch
- European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP)
- Factsheet: European Defence – Protect What Matters
