The proposed projects focus on drones and counter-drone systems, maritime and seabed defence, space, air and missile defence, and security along the EU’s Eastern Flank. They follow a Commission call for expressions of interest from Member States to submit proposals for possible EDPCIs.
Under the €1.5 billion European Defence Industry Programme, the Commission has allocated €325 million to support the establishment and deployment of the EDPCIs. The funding was set out in the work programme published on 30 March 2026.
The Commission said the projects would create a framework for long-term cooperation among EU countries on major defence initiatives. They are aimed at strengthening Europe’s defence industry and improving the EU’s ability to respond to shared security challenges, in line with NATO capability priorities.
On average, 18 Member States participate in each proposed project. Ukraine participates in four of the five projects, reflecting the Commission’s intention to keep supporting Ukraine through wider European defence cooperation.
The Commission is expected to take part in the EDPCIs, provide financial support and continue helping Member States coordinate implementation. It will also monitor progress against agreed milestones to support the timely delivery of the projects.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, said the projects would reinforce Europe’s ability to act jointly on defence. “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.”
Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space, said the proposed projects would support EU defence readiness and strategic autonomy. “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.”
The Council will now deliberate on the formal establishment of the EDPCIs. It will identify their objectives and characteristics, the participating countries and the estimated investment expected to be generated by each project.
After the Council adopts the list of identified EDPCIs, the projects will become eligible for EU funding through EDIP under a dedicated procedure. The funding is intended to enable initial deployment and provide the basis for possible further support through the upcoming European Competitiveness Fund.
The EDIP Regulation was adopted on 16 December 2025. The instrument aims to strengthen and modernise Europe’s defence industry, secure access to cutting-edge technology, increase production capacity, support common procurement and reinforce supply chains.
The regulation also introduces EDPCIs as future ambitious collaborative industrial projects intended to benefit a broader part of the EU. The framework is also open to Norway and Ukraine.
Source: European Commission (press release).
