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Complementing and amplifying Member States’ efforts, the Fund promotes cooperation among companies and research actors of all sizes and geographic origin in the Union, in research and development of state-of-the-art and interoperable defence technology and equipment. The Fund supports competitive and collaborative projects throughout the entire cycle of research and development for a bigger impact on the European defence capability and industrial landscape.
It strongly encourages participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in collaborative projects and fosters breakthrough innovative solutions.
The EDF was preceded by two test programmes with limited duration and budget – the Preparatory Action on Defence Research (PADR) and the European Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP).

Discover the EDF by watching the video (EN/DE/FR)
EDF Budget
A budget of close to €8 billion for 2021-2027 is dedicated to the European Defence Fund. €2.7 billion to fund collaborative defence research and €5.3 billion euros to fund collaborative capability development projects complementing national contributions.
For info on how to become active, read how to get started with EDF.
ann.janssens@vlaio.be
+32 2 553 03 24
mark.antonissen@vlaio.be
+32 2 432 43 05
Find the contact info on the site of FOD economy
The National Contact Points (NCPs) provide support, guidance, and practical information to potential applicants, helping them navigate funding opportunities and application processes.
The National Focal Point (NFP) members represent their country in decision-making about the work programmes, evaluate implementation, and provide strategic input on priorities and calls.
Digital, Industry & Space Digital Europe AI Continent Cybersecurity
Flanders is pursuing an active industry and export policy focused on defence innovation. With the Flemish Innovation and Industry Strategy for Security and Defence (VISD) and a new weapon trading decree, the government plans to help local companies market their technologies internationally. The European defence and security market is rapidly expan... read more
Infosheets contain edited content on aspects related to this programme. They are reviewed at least yearly.
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The Stargate project obtained funding under the special Green Deal call of Horizon 2020, more in particular under the topic of “green ports and airports”. It received the maximum score of the evaluators and was selected out of more than 40 projects. Stargate’s purpose is to prove that sustainable aviation is possible and happening. It focuses on the further decarbonization of the aviation industry, the improvement of local environmental quality and the stimulation of the modal split. Together with a consortium of 21 European partners with a diverse and rich expertise (airports, community partners, knowledge institutions, consultants, local governments, …), Brussels Airports takes the lead as lighthouse airport to develop and implement innovative solutions. Results that prove successful can be deployed at the fellow airports (Toulouse, Budapest, Athens). Over the course of the coming five years, the consortium will exchange knowledge to investigate and realize more than 30 concrete projects.