European Commission Proposes Five Major Cross-Border Defence Projects to Strengthen EU Capabilities

The European Commission has proposed the creation of five major cross-border defence projects aimed at strengthening the military capabilities of the European Union, deepening cooperation between member states, and opening access to EU funding. The initiative, known as European Defence Projects of Common Interest (EDPCI), is designed to support large-scale defence programmes that would be too complex or costly for individual countries to implement on their own.

The proposed projects cover five key areas: the development of unmanned systems and counter-drone technologies, strengthening maritime security and protecting underwater infrastructure, creating an integrated air and missile defence system with early-warning capabilities, developing space defence capabilities, and launching the Eastern Flank Watch initiative to enhance security along Europe’s eastern flank.

The largest of these projects will be the Drone and Counter Drone European Resolve (DECODER) programme. It is set to bring together 26 EU member states, as well as Norway and Ukraine. The initiative aims to support the joint development, expansion of production, and deployment of European unmanned systems and counter-drone capabilities. Its main objective is to address critical gaps in Europe’s military capabilities. According to the European Commission, investments in the project could reach between €3.5 billion and €5 billion by 2033.

On average, around 18 EU countries are expected to participate in each of the five defence projects. Ukraine will take part in four out of the five initiatives, further strengthening its integration into European defence programmes. Norway will also participate in several projects alongside EU member states.

Funding is expected to come through the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), which has a total budget of €1.5 billion. Of this amount, the European Commission has already allocated €325 million for the establishment and initial deployment of EDPCI. In the future, approved projects will also be eligible for additional support through the upcoming European Competitiveness Fund.

European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius said that the combined investment potential of the five projects could reach around €190 billion by 2036. According to him, the initiatives are intended to become the foundation for a European air, maritime, and space defence shield, while also advancing modern drone technologies and strengthening security on Europe’s eastern flank.

European Commission Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen stressed that joint defence programmes would help the EU rapidly increase weapons production, strengthen cooperation among allies, support Ukraine, and reduce dependence on external suppliers.

The European Commission expects EDPCI to contribute to the development of defence innovation, the strengthening of Europe’s defence industry, and the reduction of fragmentation within the EU defence market. The projects are also aligned with NATO’s priorities for developing defence capabilities.

The proposal will now be reviewed by the Council of the European Union, which must formally approve the list of EDPCI projects, define their objectives, participating members, key characteristics, and expected investment levels. Only after approval by the Council will the projects be able to receive funding under EDIP and move from planning to practical implementation.

Source: Reuters, European Commision, Bussiness Insider