The event aims to inform Belgian entities about funding opportunities available through the European Defence Fund (EDF). It will feature presentations from government officials and experts, along with a series of regional sessions specific to Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels.

The event will include a variety of presentations covering the EDF work programme for 2026, roles of the Belgian Defence and the FOD Economie aswell ad testimonials related to EDF participation.

Attendees can engage in Q&A sessions and discussions tailored to their respective regions. The event is designed to cater to various stakeholders, providing insights and support from the NCP Flanders and VLAIO.

Participation is free, but registration is mandatory before January 27th 2026. Due to limited physical attendance, only one representative per organisation can participate in person.
Presentations will be conducted in Dutch, French, or English without simultaneous translation.

For additional information, please contact: nfp-edf@economie.fgov.be.

Participants can register to attend in person or online.

Morning Program

• 9:00–9:30 a.m.: Reception / Registration
• 9:30–9:40 a.m.: Welcome and General Introduction
  [Séverine WATERBLEY, Chair of the FPS Economy]
• 9:40–10:00 a.m.: Speech by the Minister of Economy – Subject to confirmation
  [David CLARINVAL, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Employment, Economy and Agriculture]
• 10:00–10:40 a.m.: Presentation by the European Commission
  [Renauld HOCK, Eng. – Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS), European Commission]
  Q&A: 10 min.
• 10:40–11:00 a.m.: Break
• 11:00–11:40 a.m.: EDF – Role of Belgian Defence
  BE Defence & EDF
  [Colonel Dirk VANDERREYDT, Eng. – National Armaments Directorate]
  Q&A: 10 min.
• 11:40–12:00 p.m.: EDF – Role of the FPS Economy
  National Focal Point
  [Xavier HAEZEBROUCK, NFP – FPS Economy, Pierre DE MAN, Alternate NFP – Defence]
  Autonomy Guarantees
  [Lisa MASHINI & Sander DRIEGHE – FPS Economy]
• 12:00–12:20 p.m.: Speech by the Minister of Defence – Subject to confirmation
  [Theo FRANCKEN, Minister of Defence, responsible for Foreign Trade]
• 12:20–2:00 p.m.: Lunch

Afternoon Program by Region (separate rooms)
Flemish Region – 2:00–5:00 p.m.

• Testimonial on EDF participation
• Defence Impulse Program
  [EWI – Paris VAN PAESSCHEN]
• Support by NCP Flanders and VLAIO
  [NCP Flanders & VLAIO – Mark ANTONISSEN]
• International Support in Security and Defence
  [FIT – Michel HOFMAN]
• Export Control Obligations
  [Strategic Goods Control Service]