About the European Defence AgencyWHAT WE DO ~ The European Defence Agency (EDA) supports its 26 Member States in improving their defence capabilities through European cooperation. Acting as an enabler and facilitator for Ministries of Defence willing to engage in collaborative, capability projects, the Agency has become the ‘hub’ for European defence cooperation with expertise and networks allowing it to cover the whole spectrum.EU defence initiatives ~ EDA plays an important support and implementation role in all the EU defence initiatives. These tools are designed to raise the EU’s level of ambition; through the Capability Development Plan (CDP), Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD), Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) and European Defence Fund (EDF).European Defence AgencyEDA_7adcfb2a-95e0-11ec-ad8a-7c161783ea00The European Defence Agency has a unique structure that brings together each aspect of the defence process, from cooperation planning, through capabilities, research & technology, armaments cooperation, to industry and market, as well as wider European policies. This structure allows the Agency to serve the needs, expectations and interests of Member States effectively and efficiently.EuropeEDA Member StatesBelgiumBulgariaCzechGermanyEstoniaIrelandGreeceSpainFranceCroatiaItalyCyprusLatviaLithuaniaLuxembourgHungaryMaltaNetherlandsAustriaPolandPortugalRomaniaSloveniaSlovakiaFinlandSwedenEDA DirectoratesLed by Jiří Šedivý, EDA Chief Executive, and Deputy Chief Executive Olli Ruutu under the authority of Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affaires and Security Policy, the Agency’s organisational structure comprises of three operational directorates:Industry, Synergies & Enablers Directorate (ISE)supports a range of activities critical to collaborative defence capability development in Europe.Capability, Armament & Planning Directorate (CAP)supports the coherent development of the European defence landscape by integrating EDA’s involvement in the Capability Development Plan (CDP), the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD) and the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO).Research, Technology & Innovation Directorate (RTI)promotes and supports defence research at EU level. Based on the Overarching Strategic Research Agenda (OSRA), developed together with the Member States, the Directorate coordinates and plans joint research activities and the study of technical solutions to meet future operational needs.Corporate Services Directorate (CSD)Additionally, the Corporate Services Directorate (CSD), led by Ginette Manderscheid, provides critical business support to EDA operations by delivering high-quality corporate services under five dedicated Units: * Human Resources * Procurement and Contract Management * Finance * IT and Information Management * Security and Infrastructure Management ^ CSD processes are geared towards efficient and optimal use of resources, leveraging good practice and technological solutions while ensuring sound financial management, transparency and accountability. EDA Legal OfficeThe EDA Legal Office provides legal, data protection and institutional advice and checks to its management relating to the fulfilment of Agency objectives. The EDA Programme Manager and Corporate Projects Officer provides a leadership role in, and a focal point for, good practice in Project, Programme and Risk Management.Chief Executive Policy Office (CE PO)The Chief Executive Policy Office (CE PO) works in direct support of the Agency’s top management (Chief Executive & Deputy Chief Executive). It is responsible for strategic policy development, planning and coordination of EDA’s activities. The Unit is the Agency’s prime interface towards Member States at policy level and is responsible for relations with EU institutions and bodies, as well as third parties. It acts as the secretariat of the Steering Board and of the Agency Management Board. Media and Communication Unit (MCU)The Media and Communication Unit (MCU) is in charge of external communication with the defence and wider communities, including relations with the press. The unit is responsible for the Agency’s social media and digital communication, publications, audiovisual production and organisation of main events and conferences. MCU is also responsible for internal communication within the Agency.EDA AuditorThe task of the internal auditor is to provide independent, risk-based and objective assurance and advisory services designed to add value and improve the Agency’s operations. It helps the EDA accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic and disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes.EDA ManagementJiří ŠedivýEDA Chief Executive (ADoI)Olli RuutuDeputy Chief Executive (ADoI)Emilio FajardoDirector Industry, Synergies & Enablers (ADoI)Martin KonertzDirector Capability, Armament & Planning (ADoI)Jean-François RipocheDirector Research, Technology & Innovation (ADoI)Ginette ManderscheidDirector Corporate Services (ADoI)EDA Expert GroupsEDA only employs some 180 staff. But through various networks of national experts, the Agency can involve the know-how of a high number of defence specialists in its Member States. These networks are crucial as they ensure exchange of knowledge & best practice, as well as coherence with Member States’ activities and priorities. The Agency’s main expert groups are the Project Teams (PTs) in the capability development domain, and the Capability Technology Groups (CapTechs) in the research & technology domain. Additionally, ad hoc working groups comprised of national experts can be formed for any given subject. There are also specific thematic fora - such as for example the EDA/Single European Sky Military Aviation Board (ESMAB) or EDA’s Military Airworthiness Authority (MAWA) Forum – as well as specific advisory forums or task forces that can be set up if participating Member States wish so.Project Teams (PTs)Project Teams bring together experts from the participating Member States in a specific capability area in order to identify potential fields of cooperation, assess the feasibility of cooperative activities and harmonise military needs by elaborating a Common Staff Target (CST). Common Staff Requirements (CSR) and associated Business Cases (BC) are drafted within the framework of a dedicated Category B project during the “Programme Preparation Phase” bringing together the Member States ready to invest in the subsequent development/production phases. Project Teams elaborate relevant documents (such as Letter of Intent, Technical Arrangements or Programme Arrangement, Strategic Context Cases, etc.). Project Teams are chaired by a national representative appointed by the team members who may also decide to create specific Working Groups on topics of special interest. EDA usually acts as Secretariat for the Project Teams. Capability Technology Groups (CapTechs) A Capability Technology Group (“CapTech”) is a Research & Technology working group dedicated to a particular technology area. The purpose of a CapTech is to generate collaborative R&T projects within a specific technology scope, and to support EDA participating Member States with necessary expertise when required in preparing wider programmes. To date, 13 CapTechs have been established by the Steering Board. The core task of a CapTech is to gather advice from Member States’ experts in order to identify technology gaps and common areas of interest for cooperation. Non-governmental experts are also part of the discussion group, contributing with ideas and the most up-todate technology trends. The main objective of the CapTech is to launch collaborative R&T projects to fulfil participating Member States’ needs. CapTechs are chaired by an EDA staff acting as moderator. Each CapTech uses a dedicated ECP Work Space to share information and to maintain interaction between EDA and the participating Member States, including the CapTech National Coordinators (CNCs), the CapTech Government Experts (CGE5) and the CapTech non-Government Experts (CnGEs).EDA PartnersAs the hub for defence cooperation in the EU, EDA has close working relationships not just with its 26 Member States, but also with a number of partners in the EU and beyond, including NATO in the framework of the EU-NATO Joint Declaration. In order for the Agency to meet its core objective of supporting cooperation among its participating Member States for the development of their defence capabilities, EDA has developed tailored arrangements with a number of EU agencies and bodies, multinational organisations as well as with a few non-member countries. Administrative Arrangements Based on an assessment of benefits for the Agency and Member States, the Agency has the possibility, under the authority of Member States, to conclude bilateral Administrative Arrangements with selected organisations as well as third countries. Such an administrative arrangement is a pre-requisite for third parties to take part in EDA projects and programmes. So far, Administrative Arrangements (AA) have been concluded with:NorwayThe AA with Norway was signed on 7 March 2006.Swiss ConfederationThe AA with Switzerland was signed on 16 March 2012.Republic of SerbiaThe AA with the Republic of Serbia was signed on 13 December 2013.UkraineThe AA with Ukraine was signed on 7 December 2015.European Space Agency (ESA)The AA with ESA was signed on 20 June 2011. The cooperation aims at exploring the added value and contribution of space assets to the development of European capabilities in the area of crisis management and the Common Security and Defence Policy.Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR)The AA with OCCAR was signed on 27 July 2012. Under the arrangement, EDA and OCCAR share information and cooperate on projects and programmes throughout their lifecycle, including to facilitate handover of projects where so agreed.Enhanced European defence capabilities_7adcfc1a-95e0-11ec-ad8a-7c161783ea00To support the Member States and the Council in their effort to improve European defence capabilities in the field of crisis management and to sustain the European Security and Defence Policy as it stands now and develops in the future_7adcfd32-95e0-11ec-ad8a-7c161783ea00DefenceCapabilityCooperationCapabilities & CooperationSupport the development of defence capabilities and military cooperation among the European Union Member States_7adcfde6-95e0-11ec-ad8a-7c161783ea001European Union Member StatesInitiativesEnsures coherence among EU defence initiatives_7adcfe68-95e0-11ec-ad8a-7c161783ea001.1EU DEFENCE INITIATIVES ~ With its Global Strategy in 2016, the EU raised its level of ambition on security & defence, and new cooperation tools were set up: the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence, the Permanent Structured Cooperation, the European Defence Fund and a revised Capability Development Plan. EDA plays a central role in all four and ensures coherence among them.Planning & DevelopmentFoster synchronisation and mutual adaptation of national defence planning cycles and capability development practices_6bdeb462-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea001.1.1the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD). Launched by Member States in May 2017, its objective is to foster a gradual synchronisation and mutual adaptation of national defence planning cycles and capability development practices. First, a trial run was conducted from 2017-2018 to allow Member States to test and adapt the CARD methodology, followed by the first full CARD cycle carried out in 2019/2020. The first final CARD report, containing conclusions and recommendations for future cooperation, was presented by EDA to Member States' Defence Ministers in November 2020. Together with the EUMS, the EDA acts as the CARD Secretariat. CooperationFoster common security and defence_6bdeb732-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea001.1.2the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO). PESCO was established in December 2017 by 25 EU Member States whose declared ambition is to make it the “most important instrument to foster common security and defence” and a tool intended to provide Europe with “a coherent full spectrum force package, in complementarity with NATO”. In March 2018, a first list of 17 PESCO projects were approved. On 19 November 2018, a second list of 17 additional projects was approved by the Council. Together with EEAS (including EUMS), the EDA acts as the PESCO Secretariat.R&DFinance collaborative European projects in the domains of defence research and capability development_6bdeb890-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea001.1.3the European Defence Fund (EDF). On 7 June 2017, the European Commission adopted a Communication proposing a European Defence Fund (EDF) to co-finance collaborative European projects in the domains of defence research and capability development.The final decision on the setting up of the EDF was taken by the Council and the European Parliament in 2019/2020. The Fund started functioning on 1 January 2021 with a total agreed budget of €7.953 billion (in current prices) for the 2021-2027 period.CapabilitySupport decision-making at EU and national levels regarding defence capability development_6bdebab6-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea001.1.4the revised Capability Development Plan (CDP). The CDP provides a full capability picture that supports decision-making at EU and national levels regarding defence capability development. It looks at future security threats, identifies capability needs and defines EU Capability Development Priorities commonly agreed by Member States. Periodic CDP revisions are produced by the EDA in close cooperation with Member States and with the active contributions of the EUMC and the EUMS. The last CDP revision was completed in June 2018 with the approval, by Member States, of 11 new EU Capability Development Priorities.PrioritiesSelect the priorities for collaborative EU defence cooperation_6bdebc14-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea001.2Efficient collaborative EU defence cooperation requires participating countries to select the priorities they want to dedicate their efforts and limited resources. EDA works on priority setting in the areas of capability development (Capability Development Plan), defence research (Overarching Strategic Research Agenda) as well as skills, technologies, manufacturing capabilities (Key Strategic Activities). This important priority setting is done through the Capability Development Plan (CDP), a list of capability areas in which European shortfalls have been identified and where multinational collaboration could help fill the gaps.Training & ExercisesEnhance Armed Forces’ interoperability for joint operations_6bdebdcc-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea001.3TRAINING & EXERCISES ~ The Agency’s expanding training & exercise portfolio pursues one overarching goal none of its Member States can achieve cost-effectively on its own: to enhance Armed Forces’ interoperability for joint operations, be it under the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy, NATO or any other format. Even though the Agency’s training & exercise portfolio is wide-ranging - from helicopter, fixed-wing airlift and RPAS operations to countering improvised explosive devices, personnel recovery, cyber defence and energy management – EDA’s ambition is not to become a permanent training provider. Once specific training gaps at European level are identified and assessed, the Agency helps to jump start and mature a collaborative activity up to the point it can be handed over to a group of Member States. HelicoptersPromote a common approach to helicopter activities_6bdebfc0-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea001.3.1Helicopter training ~ EDA’s training courses for helicopter aircrew got off the ground in 2009 to fill its Member States’ gap in tactical training and interoperability for operations in Afghanistan by promoting a common approach to helicopter activities in an environment that was new and challenging for many of them. Currently, EDA is running three activities in this area: a helicopter exercise programme (HEP), a helicopter tactics course (HTC) and a helicopter tactics instructors’ course (HTIC). 15 European countries participate in one or more of them, including the annual multinational helicopter “Blade” exercise, a tactics symposium and several other tactics-related activities such as electronic warfare. By 2023, the three helicopter training activities (HEP, HTC and HTIC) will be gradually moved to a new Multinational Helicopter Training Centre (MHTC) in Sintra, Portugal. The objective is to make this MHTC a permanent European centre of excellence for advanced helicopter training. AirliftImprove operational capability and availability of crews and aircraft_6bdec1c8-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea001.3.2Aircraft CrewsAirlift training ~ Under the umbrella of the European Air Transport Fleet Programme (EATF), a tactical airlift training programme was developed by EDA to improve interoperability and to offer advance tactical training opportunities with the objective of improving operational capability and availability of crews and aircraft. In June 2017, the training programme was moved to the new permanent European Tactical Airlift Centre (ETAC) in Zaragoza/Spain. The five EDA Member States operating Spartan C-27 fixed-wing aircraft have also developed a cooperation platform within EDA offering opportunities to pool expertise, human and technological resources to share common capabilities and reduce costs. As a ‘community of users’, C-27J operators are encouraged to identify concrete means to harmonise operations and training (common tactics, techniques and procedures, harmonisation of pilot training, etc.) or through the EATF partnership by attending European Air Transport Training events. Remotely Piloted AircraftLink RPAS simulator centres together for collaborative training_6bdec3bc-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea001.3.3Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) ~ EDA, in cooperation with the European Air Group (EAG), has developed a training technology demonstrator which allows participating Member States to use a virtual private network to link their RPAS simulator centres together for collaborative training. This common training platform, called RPAS Training Technology Demonstrator (RTTD), serves as a catalyst for convergence of training approaches, as a tool for improved interoperability as well as a framework for structured sharing of lessons, improved procedures and for general capacity development.IEDsOffer training on early warning, detection, exploitation and disposal capabilities_6bdec5c4-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea001.3.4Counter-IED ~ Launched in 2007, EDA’s Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices (C-IED) programme has trained to date close to 1,000 students including C-IED specialists and ordnance personnel and prompted a swathe of related national and multi-nation research projects. These focus is on early warning, detection, exploitation and disposal capabilities, including Manual Neutralisation Techniques Courses and Exercises (MNTCE), not only for conventional IED threats but also those emanating from chemical, biological and radiological vectors as well.Personnel RecoveryImprove Armed Forces’ ability to recover staff deployed in military operations_6bdec7c2-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea001.3.5Personnel Recovery ~ The Agency supports Member States in improving their Armed Forces’ ability to recover staff deployed in military operations who have been trapped, isolated, captured and/or maltreated by adversary forces. One of EDA’s tools to support Member States in this critical domain are specific courses and trainings such as the Personnel Recovery Controller and Planner Courses (which ran from 2014-2019) or the Joint Personnel Recovery Education and Training Courses launched in April 2020. The Agency has also developed an e-learning tool for Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) and launched a Tactical Personnel Recovery Mission Simulator (TPRMS) project whose objective is to validate Member States’ training approaches by simulation.CyberdefenceDevelops, pilots and delivers cyber security & defence courses_6bdec998-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea001.3.6Cyberdefence ~ EDA develops, pilots and delivers a variety of cyber security & defence courses from basic awareness over expert level to decision maker training. This is accompanied by exercises for comprehensive cyber strategic decision making and cyber defence planning for headquarters. The Agency also works on enhancing Member States Armed Forces’ cyber defence situational awareness in CSDP operations and missions. The aim of the deployable Cyber Situation Awareness Package (CySAP) is to provide a common and standardised cyber defence planning and management platform, that allows Commanders and their staff to fulfil cyber defence related tasks in their day-to-day business. EDA’s Cyber Ranges Federation project, launched in 2017, aims to allow its 11 participating Member States to knit together their respective national cyber-ranges into an integrated system for real-time training and exercises in simulated operational environments. A first live demonstration to test the cyber ranges federation took place in autumn 2019. EDA also actively contributed to the creation of the Cyber education, training, exercise and evaluation (ETEE) platform at the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) the main mission of which is the coordination of cyber security and defence training and education for EU Member States. Energy ManagementIntroduce modern and sustainable energy management concepts and systems in Armed Forces_6bdecc04-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea001.3.7Energy ManagersArmed ForcesEnergy management ~ In January 2017, the Agency launched a dedicated Defence Energy Managers’ Course (DEMC) to help Member States introduce modern and sustainable energy management concepts and systems in their Armed Forces. Several courses have been delivered since then. OperationsEupport to European civilian and military missions & operations_6bdecdee-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea001.4SUPPORT TO OPERATIONS ~ A key mission of the European Defence Agency is to provide practical support to European civilian and military missions & operations launched under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) of the European Union. This is facilitated by offering access to existing EDA projects & activities, and by providing contractual support to mission commanders. The Agency’s mission to provide practical support to EU civilian and military missions and operations is done in two different ways: Projects & ActivitiesOffer access to existing EDA projects and activities_6bded014-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea001.4.1by offering access to existing EDA projects and activities which can be directly used by mission commanders, such as: * the three helicopter initiatives (Helicopter Exercise Programme, Helicopter Tactics Course, Helicopter Tactics Instructors Course) which collectively aim to improve European helicopter capability for crisis management operations and to support preparation for deployment * the Maritime Surveillance (MARSUR) network which improves maritime situational awareness during missions and operations. MARSUR was, for instance, implemented in the Rome OHQ for EUNAVFOR MED operation * the GISMO project (a joint venture of EDA and the EU Satellite Centre) which developed the ‘GeohuB’ tool, which provides seamless access to geospatial information for EU missions and operations. GeohuB was successfully deployed in November 2017 at the Italian Operation Headquarters, Rome, in support of EU Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR MED). * a Human Resources (HR) management software tool which was developed by EDA to help the personnel branch of EU mission headquarters manage the in-processing and out-processing of personnel at all phases of a CSDP operation/mission ProcurementProvide contractual support to mission commanders_6bded212-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea001.4.2by providing contractual support to mission commanders. Procurement of contracted solutions has become increasingly relevant for EU military operations not only to fill capability gaps in the force generation process, but also as a general planning support for ongoing operations. The Agency combines industry knowledge, in-house technical expertise and experience in procurement, which can support CSDP operations/missions and Member States in their procurement procedures and save scarce resources. Examples: * EDA’s SatCom Market can provide missions and operations with cost-efficient options to commercially source Satellite Communications (SatCom) as well as wider Communication and Information Systems (CIS) services through EDA which coordinates requirements and purchases the services from commercial providers; * EDA’s Governmental Satellite Communications Pooling and Sharing Demonstration Project (GSC Demo) can provide missions and operations with reliable, secure and cost-effective GOVSATCOM capabilities based on existing, pooled, governmental SATCOM resources provided by EDA Member States; * EDA’s offer to provide in-theatre AIRMEDEVAC services to be used in the framework of national and/or international defence and/or security operations. It builds on the EU SatCom Market model to provide aero medical services through multiple contractors offering fixed and rotary wing services in Europe and Africa; * EDA’s web-based Contractor Support to Operations (CSO) platform which offers to mission/operation commanders a pool of potential suppliers who can respond to the specific requirements of a mission. The Agency also offers long-term framework contracts which are ready to be used at short notice by missions and operations to outsource the provision of certain key capabilities to private companies. Coordination & FacilitationCoordinate and facilitate European collaborative activities_6bded4ba-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea001.5ENABLERS ~ EDA coordinates and facilitates European collaborative activities between Member States’ airworthiness authorities, national test centres and standardisation organisations. Cooperation and harmonisation increase interoperability and are key enablers for EU defence cooperation that can generate considerable time and cost-savings.AirworthinessDevelop a harmonised approach to the regulation of military airworthiness_6bded6a4-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea001.5.1Airworthiness ~ EDA’s efforts in this field primarily focus on the Military Airworthiness Authorities (MAWA) Forum bringing together experts from each of the EDA participating Member States’ National Military Airworthiness Authorities with the objective of developing a harmonised approach to the regulation of military airworthiness and synergies in the area of airworthiness oversight. The forum already delivered a full set of European Military Airworthiness Requirements (EMARs) - non-mandatory standards available to Member States based on the airworthiness regulatory framework for civil aviation developed by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) - including for aircraft maintenance training. Once a harmonised European Military Airworthiness System will have been fully developed, further steps could be taken towards the creation of a European Military Joint Airworthiness Authorities Organisation. StandardisationUse civilian standards even for defence needs_6bded8ac-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea001.5.2Standardisation ~ The Agency’s general approach is to use civilian standards even for defence needs whenever and wherever possible. However, that rule has its limits because available standards, by far, do not always fit military needs and requirements. That’s where EDA comes in to see what can be done to develop missing standards. For instance, EDSTAR (the European Defence Standards Reference system) and EDSIS (the European Defence Standardisation Information System) are both managed by EDA to facilitate work in the area of defence standardisation.Testing & EvaluationImprove synergies and avoid duplication_6bdeda96-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea001.5.3Test & Evaluation ~ Cooperation and progressive harmonisation are also the recommended way forward for Member States’ Defence Test & Evaluation (DT&E) centres to improve synergies and avoid duplication. To that end, EDA initiated the European Defence Test and Evaluation Base (DTEB), a portal where national DT&E centres can coordinate their activities. The overarching ambition is to develop a coherent network of European Test Centres offering the full spectrum of Test & Evaluation capabilities needed in Europe. This notably entails fostering collaborative activities among test centres, creating networks of excellence and systematically relating them to EDA projects. Ammunition testing and certification is another domain where EDA’s ASC Unit is involved in developing harmonised requirements, in particular through ENNSA, the European Network of National Safety Authorities. The Agency has also initiated a European Network on Electro Magnetic Effects Test & Evaluation capabilities Rationalisation (ENTER).Research & TechnologyStimulate defence Research and Technology (R&T) and strengthening the European defence industry_72ede5ac-95f7-11ec-9d4e-9fae1583ea002European Defence IndustryRESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY ~ Research & technology (R&T) is at the heart of defence capability development and, therefore, one of the Agency's top priorities. The effectiveness of tomorrow’s defence depends on today’s investment in new capabilities. To that end, Member States must remain at the cutting edge of defence innovation and research. Given the magnitude of the task and the shortage of research funding at national levels, Member States are rightly seeking synergies and cost benefits from collaborative projects at European level, notably through EDA.Gaps & CommonalitiesIdentify technology gaps and common areas of interest for cooperation_72ede6f6-95f7-11ec-9d4e-9fae1583ea002.1To ensure the identification of technology gaps and common areas of interest for cooperation, the Overarching Strategic Research Agenda (OSRA), the EDA R&T planning tool ), developed together with its Member States, provides a shared vision of the most important technical challenges to be researched at European level within the CapTech areas.ProjectsEnable member states to voluntarily engage in collaborative defence research projects_6bdedc94-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea002.2Capability Technology GroupsWith its specialized Capability Technology Groups (‘CapTechs’) composed of national experts, industry and research organisations, EDA offers Member States a tailor-made platform where they can voluntarily engage in collaborative defence research projects which are of interest to them. Since its creation in 2004, EDA has managed some 250 R&T projects, worth over €1 billion. Cost-EffectivenessMake the best use of existing and upcoming EU funding for defence-related research_6bdedece-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea002.3EDA also ensures that Member States make best use of existing and upcoming EU funding for defence-related research, especially the European Commission’s Preparatory Action on Defence Research (PADR) which is managed by EDA, and provides inputs to a fully-fledged EU Defence Research Programme under the European Defence Fund (EDF) as of 2021. IndustryEstablish a structured dialogue and enhance engagement with industry on key areas particularly on capability development and R&T_6bdee0f4-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea002.4Defence IndustriesEquipment ManufacturersPrime ContractorsInnovatorsSMEsMid-Cap CompaniesINDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT ~ A strong and competitive European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) is a prerequisite for developing defence capabilities and securing European strategic autonomy. EDA has established a structured dialogue and enhanced engagement with industry on key areas particularly on capability development and R&T. The EU Global Strategy calls for a structured dialogue with defence industry to ensure a solid EDTIB, whose strength and competitiveness depends not only on original equipment manufacturers or prime contractors but also on a range of innovative SMEs and mid-cap companies. An evolving industrial and innovation landscape which sees new opportunities for industry arrive via the EU defence initiatives, and which demands that EDA reviews its engagement with industry. Building on these principles, the priorities for EDA’s industry engagement focus on the capability development process, R&T and innovation, Key Strategic Activities, wider EU policies and overall support to industry. EDA’s support to industry aims to improve information sharing (e.g. Industry Engagement Roadmap, SME Corner, regular newsletters), encourage the creation of cross-border partnerships (e.g. B2B events and online B2B Platform) and enabling access to available EU funding. Our support activities and tools are listed below.RoadmapOffer an overview of key activities_6bdee2fc-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea002.4.1Industry Engagement Roadmap ~ The EDA Industry Engagement Roadmap offers an overview of the key activities during the implementation process in 2020. (The 2021 roadmap will be available soon.) FundingEnsure access to EU funding_6bdee540-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea002.4.2EU Funding ~ Access to funding is critical both for national and cooperative defence projects. At the European level, EDA works to ensure access to EU funding - in a smart, immediate and effective way - through our dedicated EU funding gateway.AdviceProvide advice on how to access the defence market_6bdee766-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea002.4.3Defence-Related SMEsSME Corner ~ The SME Corner aims to provide defence-related SMEs with simple, smart and short advice on how to easily access the defence market.PartnershipsFacilitate cross-border partnerships between European defence industry stakeholders_6bdee982-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea002.4.4European Defence Industry StakeholdersB2B Platform ~ The B2B Platform aims to facilitate cross-border partnerships between European defence industry stakeholders by allowing them to quickly and easily search for potential partners for their defence-related businesses.NewsletterProvide updates and news on EDA’s work with industry_6bdeebd0-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea002.4.5Industry Newsletter ~ Sign-up to EDA’s dedicated industry newsletter for latest updates and news on EDA’s work with industry.DirectoriesProvide a list of directories with information and contacts_6bdeedd8-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea002.4.6Research & Technology OrganisationsDirectories ~ EDA provides a list of useful directories with useful information and contacts for industry and research & technology organisations (RTOs).PoliciesAct as a military interface to EU policies_72ede78c-95f7-11ec-9d4e-9fae1583ea003Ministries of DefenceDefence CommunityEU BodiesEU POLICIES ~ EDA acts as the military voice and interface for a broad selection of EU policies which have an impact on the military and Ministries of Defence. EDA works to ensure that the interests of the defence community are conveyed to all EU bodies in order to maximise potential synergies and make the best use of existing instruments.AirspaceOptimise airspace organisation and management_72ede818-95f7-11ec-9d4e-9fae1583ea003.1Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) ~ The aim of the European Commission’s Single European Sky (SES) initiative is to optimise today’s airspace organisation and management through a combination of technological, economic and regulatory efforts. Technical aspects of the legislation are coordinated and run by the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) programme. Military aircraft fleets form the single biggest ‘airline’ operating in European airspace. Considering the need to coordinate the various activities already conducted by the military in SESAR, and in order to facilitate the establishment of a coordinated position of the defence community in Europe, EDA supports and facilitates the SES/SESAR Military Implementation Forum, a venue where issues of mutual interest are debated between relevant stakeholders. EDA supports the Member States in identifying operational and financial consequences as well as opportunities that SESAR may bring to European air forces. The Agency also provides support to the European Commission and activities of the SESAR Joint Undertaking in this context. In addition, it facilitates the interaction between NATO and the SESAR Joint Undertaking to ensure mutual reinforcement at technical level. To fulfill this role, the EDA has established the SESAR Cell, which will support Member States in SESAR deployment and increase coordination among Ministries of Defence. REACHSupport Member States on defence related issues regarding the European Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)_6bdeefea-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea003.2REACH ~ The Agency supports Member States on defence related issues regarding the European Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). The Agency’s tasks include building a common understanding of REACH and exchanging best practices. The Agency supports Member States in identifying the general impact of REACH in defence and in assessing measures to mitigate such impact. In parallel, the Agency liaises with and seeks input from industrial stakeholders on REACH issues. Finally, EDA supports Member States by conveying their common and consolidated views to key REACH stakeholders, notably the Commission and European Chemicals Agency, and by bringing defence specificities to their attention.Circular EconomyTranspose the EU policy on Circular Economy into the defence sector_6bdef27e-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea003.3Defence SectorCircular economy ~ EDA leads the work on transposing the EU policy on Circular Economy into the defence sector. Since October 2021 EDA is running an Incubation Forum for Circular Economy in European Defence (IF CEED). Its objective is to apply to the European Defence the 2020 Commission’s EU Green Deal approach to Circular Economy, by engaging a cooperative community: e.g. EU Ministries of Defence, industry, institutes, research centres, financial institutions, academia, pertinent public bodies at national and international level. Energy & EnvironmentIncrease the resilience to vulnerabilities relating to energy, resource supplies, water, and environmental change_6bdef4d6-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea003.4Energy and Environment Working Group (EnE WG)Energy & Environment ~ EDA’s work in energy and environment is led by the Energy and Environment Working Group (EnE WG). This group supports the participating Member States collective journey towards increasing the resilience of Ministries of Defence, Armed Forces and Defence technological and industrial sector to existing and emerging vulnerabilities resulting from strategic considerations concerning energy security and dependence on fossil fuels, resources security of supply, water security, and environmental change. EDA also manages the consultation forum for sustainable energy in the defence and security sector (CF SEDSS) on behalf of the European Commission, which assists European Union Ministries of Defence to move towards green, resilient, and efficient energy models. FundingMaximise dual-use synergies in R&T and support the European defence industry in accessing EU funding mechanisms_6bdef738-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea003.5European Defence IndustryEU Defence Funding~ The Agency also works towards maximising dual-use synergies in R&T and supports the European defence industry in accessing relevant EU funding mechanisms. More on EDA’s work in this area can be found on the EU Funding page. ProcurementMonitor European policy and regulatory developments related to defence procurement_6bdef9ea-9660-11ec-8eed-fa7b1583ea003.6EU Defence Procurement/Transfers ~ EDA monitors European policy and regulatory developments related to defence procurement, including on Directive 2009/81/EC on defence and security procurement, and keeps its Member States informed about them. Together with its Member States and in close cooperation with the European Commission, EDA supports and incentivises cooperative defence procurement programs/projects, based on a case-by-case assessment. EDA also regularly updates its Member States on developments concerning defence transfers, including at EU-level, and raises awareness on aspects related to the implementation of Directive 2009/43/EC on the transfers of defence-related products within the EU. The Vademecum of Member States' Defence Procurement Practices summarizes the regulations, rules and procedures of a number of EDA participating Member States and Norway. 2022-02-25https://eda.europa.eu/OwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net