EU Commission Proposes Five Joint Defense Projects

On Friday, the European Commission presented a proposal for five major cross-border defense projects that could receive funding from European Union funds.

Among the proposed European Defence Projects of Common Interest (EDPCI) is one focused on drones and counter-drone measures, involving 26 EU member states, Norway, and Ukraine. The proposal also includes the Eastern Flank Watch project, involving 13 EU member states, Norway, and Ukraine.

The Commission also proposed an integrated project for the defense of maritime space and the seabed, a project for air and missile defense, including early warning, and a space defense project.

To qualify as a EDPCI, an initiative must promote innovation, strengthen the competitiveness of the European defense industry, and help reduce market fragmentation.

Under the European Defence Industry Programme, €325m ($372m) have been allocated to these projects. The Commission also said additional funding may become available in the future.

(Reuters, bak)