EU allocates 300 million euros for five major defense projects

Member states of the European Union reached a political agreement on Wednesday to provide €300 million in funding for five major defense projects, including efforts to strengthen security on the EU’s eastern flank. The agreement was reached by the ambassadors of the member states and represents the first step toward officially establishing European Defense Projects of Common Interest.

Each project is expected to receive approximately €60 million, mainly through the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP). The initiatives target air and missile defense, drones and counter-drone systems, maritime and undersea infrastructure security, space capabilities, and surveillance of the eastern flank.

The final decision is expected at the meeting of the Council of Defense Ministers in Brussels on September 28. Subsequently, the funding could be supplemented through the future European Competitiveness Fund, included in negotiations on the EU’s multiannual budget for 2028–2034.