Slovak defence minister welcomes EU funding for the eastern flank

Slovak Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák welcomed on Friday the European Union’s decision to allocate €60 million to the Eastern Flank Watch (EFW) project, aimed at strengthening security and defence preparedness in participating states.

Slovakia is particularly interested in developing counter-drone protection capabilities. The Defence Ministry in Bratislava has opted for the Barak air defence system, which is gradually being integrated into both the national air defence network and NATO’s overall system. Radars and 3D radar equipment capable of detecting small targets, including drones, will be tested in Poland and Romania.

EFW is one of five European projects of common interest in the field of defence approved by the EU Council. The initiative covers the land, air, maritime and cyber domains and aims to protect Europe’s entire eastern flank.

The other projects concern drones and counter-drone solutions, maritime and seabed defence, space defence, as well as integrated air and missile defence. The projects are eligible for funding through the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), adopted in 2025.

The process began on 16 February 2026, when the European Commission consulted the member states. After reviewing the nine proposals submitted, the Commission recommended the list of the five selected projects on 3 July.