EU unveils €300bn defence projects as Germany warns of stifling innovation

The European Commission has proposed a series of European Defence Projects of Common Interest (EDPCIs) worth around €300 billion. The plan, announced on 3 July 2026, targets five priority areas – drone and counter‑drone systems, integrated maritime and seabed defence, space‑based capabilities, federated air and missile defence, and an Eastern Flank Watch – and is part of a broader €1.5 billion European Defence Industry Programme. Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius described the initiative as “an important step towards strengthening the defence capabilities of EU member states”. Greek MEP Giannis Maniatis highlighted the opportunity for Greece’s armed forces and defence industry.

German defence ministry official Carsten Stawitzki cautioned that a single EU defence market could limit technological competition. He argued that “if I want technological competition… I must be prepared to invest the necessary funds and develop two or three products, at least as prototypes”. Stawitzki called for multiple competing programmes and noted Germany’s plan to open a Brussels office for its procurement agency BAAINBw to engage directly with EU institutions and industry partners.