The European Commission welcomes Member States' decision to endorse the first five European Defence Projects of Common Interest (EDPCIs). These projects will strengthen Europe's defence capabilities by developing key military systems together. Following today's decision, the defence projects can now move towards funding.
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. Today's decision is a key deliverable of EDIP, which aims to support Europe's defence industry in ramping up production capacity, as well as contribute to the development of military capabilities critical for the security and defence interests of the Union and its Member States.
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.
EDPCIs are large-scale industrial projects which provide a framework for Member States 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 will strengthen Europe's defence industry and improve the EU's ability to respond to shared security challenges, in line with NATO capability priorities. The projects are designed to cover the full journey of the capability development to its deployment and operation.
Next steps
The Commission will now work closely with participating Member States to support the implementation of the projects and monitor progress towards their agreed objectives and milestones.
The EDPCIs are designed as long-term projects that will extend beyond the current EDIP funding period. Other EDPCIs may be identified in the future, alongside the ones identified today. Union support may continue under the next Multiannual Financial Framework, including through the proposed European Competitiveness Fund .
Background
On 3 July 2025, the Commission made a Proposal for a Council Implementing Decision on the establishment of European Projects of Common Interest , delivering on the objectives of EDIP to modernise Europe's defence industry.
The EDIP 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.
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 to help Member States coordinate their implementation. It will also monitor progress against agreed milestones to support the timely delivery of the EDPCIs projects.
