The European Commission has proposed five new large-scale projects, known as the European Defence Projects of Common Interest (EDPCIs), to help EU countries develop key military systems together. The projects target capabilities considered too large or too complex for individual countries to pursue alone.
Five priority areas
The industrial projects focus on drones and counter-drone systems, maritime and seabed defence, space, air and missile defence, and strengthening security along the EU's Eastern Flank. They come in response to a Commission call for expression of interest inviting Member States to submit project proposals for possible EDPCIs.
Funding under EDIP
Under the €1.5 billion European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), the Commission has allocated €325 millionto support the establishment and deployment of the EDPCIs, as set out in the work programme published on 30 March 2026.
Broad participation, including Ukraine
On average, 18 Member States participate in each project, while Ukraine takes part in four of the five. The Commission is expected to participate in the EDPCIs, provide financial support and continue helping Member States coordinate implementation. It will also monitor progress against agreed milestones to support timely delivery. The projects 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.
Next steps
The Council will now discuss the formal establishment of the EDPCIs, identifying their objectives and characteristics, the participating countries, and the estimated investment each project is expected to generate. Once the Council adopts the list of identified EDPCIs, the projects will become eligible for EU funding through EDIP under a dedicated procedure. This funding will enable their initial deployment and lay the foundation for possible further financing via the upcoming European Competitiveness Fund.
Background
The EDIP Regulation was adopted on 16 December 2025. The 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 reinforce supply chains through a steady supply of military equipment to the armed forces of the Member States. The Regulation introduces the EDPCIs as ambitious collaborative industrial projects designed to benefit a broader part of the EU, open also to Norway and Ukraine.
