The European Commission launched the EDF on 30 June 2021, and has recently adopted the 2021 annual work programme of the fund. Part 1 of the 2022 EDF work programme has also been approved.
The EDF will provide up to €1.2 billion in high-end defence capability projects in 2021, including:
- €700 million for the preparation of large-scale and complex defence platforms and systems
- €220 million for synergies with other, civilian EU policies and programmes, notably in the space, medical response, digital and cyber fields
- €120 million for disruptive technologies and specific open calls for SMEs
- €100 million for critical technologies
23 calls for proposals for collaborative defence R&D projects are now open. The submission deadline is 9 December 2021. The EDF factsheet 2021 provides further information. It is also possible to watch the replay of the EDF Luxembourg Info Day that took place on 9 June 2021.
Matchmaking opportunities
In cooperation with selected national defence industry associations (NDIAs), a series of matchmaking initiatives have been launched in order to identify and meet partners for potential EDF consortia. Following the BeNeLux Industry Day on 21 April, which was organised together with the Belgian Security and Defence Industry (BSDi) and the Netherlands Industries for Defence and Security (NIDV), Luxinnovation joined forces with the French Land Defence and Security Industry Association (GICAT) to organise a pitching day for companies willing to participate in the EDF call for proposals.
Numerous organisations from France and Luxembourg presented their technological capabilities and potential project ideas for the upcoming calls. The B2B Matchmaking Platform which was created in this special context is still accessible until September 2021.
Additional matchmaking initiatives are planned in August 2021.