(Adnkronos) – Ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara, which will be partly attended by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, the EU executive is launching five new large-scale projects, or European projects of common interest in defense, to help EU countries strengthen their defense capabilities by jointly developing fundamental military systems.
The industrial projects focus on five areas: drones and drone interception and downing systems; maritime and seabed defense; space; air and missile defense; strengthening security along the EU’s external flank.
The projects respond to an invitation from the Commission for Member States to express interest and submit project proposals.
As part of the 1.5 billion euro European Defense Industry Program (EDIP), the Commission has allocated 325 million to support the establishment and deployment of Projects of Common Interest (IPCEI).
The new projects allow EU countries to collaborate on defense initiatives that are too large or too complex to be developed by individual countries. By supporting long-term cooperation, they aim to strengthen the European defense industry and improve the EU’s ability to respond to common security challenges, in line with NATO’s capability priorities.
On average, 18 Member States participate in each project, and Ukraine participates in four of the five projects. The Commission is expected to participate in the IPCEIs, provide financial support, and continue to support coordination and implementation by Member States.
