EC allocated over €1 billion to drive next-generation defence technologies and innovations

The European Commission has adopted the fifth annual Work Programme under the European Defence Fund (EDF), allocating €1.065 billion to collaborative defence research and development (R&D) projects. This investment aims to strengthen Europe’s defence capabilities, promote technological innovation, and enhance industrial competitiveness across the EU. This was reported on the European Commission’s website on 30 January 2025.

The 2025 EDF Work Programme unlocks substantial funding to support the development of critical defence technologies and capabilities. More than €40 million is dedicated to R&D in critical areas such as cyber defence, naval combat, underwater warfare, simulation and training, and advanced sensor technologies, etc.

It’s important that part of the EDF 2025 budget is allocated to calls dedicated to breakthrough technologies, as well as calls targeting innovative and future defence solutions, with a special focus on SMEs. Calls for proposals will open in mid-February 2025, with a submission deadline of 16 October 2025.

The EDF 2025 Work Programme continues its support for defence innovation through the EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS). This initiative provides grants and services to start-ups, SMEs, research organizations, and accelerators, helping them navigate market entry barriers and bring pioneering ideas to the defence sector.

Please note that this year’s programme includes among others eligibility for Ukrainian entities to receive acceleration support. Furthermore, the 2025 programme will fund the 2nd EUDIS Defence Hackathon (9-11 May 2025), taking place across eight EU locations to develop solutions for Ukraine.

For more information and to learn the EDF Work Programme 2025, please follow the link.