EU approves five new joint defence projects to boost European security

On 3 July 2026 the European Commission proposed five new European Defence Projects of Common Interest (EDPCI). The projects aim to strengthen the defence capabilities of EU member states through joint development of critical military systems, covering unmanned aircraft and counter‑UAV solutions, naval and seabed defence, space capabilities, air and missile defence, and security along the EU's eastern flank.

Each project is expected to involve about 18 member states on average, with Ukraine taking part in four of the five programmes and Norway also eligible to join. The EU has earmarked €325 million from the European Defence Industrial Programme (EDIP), which has a total budget of €1.5 billion, to fund the initial phases. After formal adoption by the Council, the projects will become eligible for EU funding and could later receive further support from the European Fund for Competitiveness. The initiative is presented as a response to NATO priorities and a means to modernise the European defence industrial base and secure supply chains.

The Commission will monitor progress against agreed milestones and support member states in coordinating implementation, with the Council slated to discuss the official establishment of the EDPCI later this year.