European Commission Awards 1.07 Billion Euros for Defense Projects

The European Commission has awarded 1.07 billion euros to 57 collaborative research and development projects under the 2025 European Defence Fund call for proposals. This strategic investment aims to strengthen European Union defense capabilities by 2030, with a specific focus on artificial intelligence, cyber defense, space systems, unmanned technologies, and loitering munitions. The funding prioritizes operational readiness and incorporates lessons learned from the war in Ukraine.

In a significant policy shift, Ukrainian entities are now eligible to participate as subcontractors and third-party recipients for the first time. This initiative is designed to integrate Ukraine's industrial base and battlefield experience into the European defense ecosystem, supported by the EU Defence Innovation Office in Kyiv.

The 57 approved projects involve 634 entities across 26 EU member states and Norway, emphasizing the inclusion of startups and small-to-medium enterprises. For example, Bulgarian firms are participating in eight projects valued at 319 million euros. Notable involvements include WISER Technology Solutions in the 56.25 million euro ECC2 cyber command-and-control system, EnduroSat in satellite projects, and Neuromorphica in neuromorphic vision systems. Other initiatives include E-DOMINION, a 79 million euro project developing a digital ship and naval combat cloud.