The European Council on Monday approved the first five European Defense Projects of Common Interest (EDPCIs). The projects span drones and counter-drone systems, maritime and seabed defense, space, air and missile defense, and the protection of Europe’s eastern flank.
EDPCIs were initially introduced in 2025 as part of the European Defense Industry Program (EDIP). The European Council describes them as “collaborative industrial projects designed to contribute to the development of member states’ military capabilities that are critical for the security and defense interests of the Union.”
The five identified EDPCIs include: Drone and Counter-Drone European Resolve (DECODER); Integrated Maritime and Seabed Defense (IMSD); SPACE; EU Federated Integrated Air and Missile Defense, including Early Warning (EU-FIAMD); and Eastern Flank Watch (EFW).
The projects are now eligible to receive EU funding through EDIP. The funding will enable the projects’ initial deployment and lay the foundation for potential further funding through the upcoming European Competitiveness Fund.