Funding & opportunities

EDF seeks experts to assess proposals

• Apply by 31 October
• Independent evaluation · security clearance

Explainer

European Union / European CommissionFunding & opportunitiesDeadline: 2026-10-31

EDF seeks independent experts for its 2026 evaluations

Qualified individuals need a security clearance and must pass conflict-of-interest checks.

Editorial team · 13 Sept

EDF calls for small and medium firms

• 29 September · 17:00 Brussels
• Defence research and development

Explainer

European Union / European CommissionFunding & opportunitiesDeadline: 2026-09-29

EDF SME calls: applications close on 29 September

The non-thematic calls require a consortium. A single SME cannot apply on its own.

Editorial team · 13 Sept

EDIP: expanding production for Ukraine

• EUR 180m · closes 13 Oct 2026
• EUR 80m · closes 16 Feb 2027

Explainer

European Union / European CommissionFunding & opportunitiesDeadline: 2026-10-13

EDIP Ukraine production calls: October and February deadlines

The USI industrial reinforcement calls have different scopes and budgets. Plan against the relevant topic.

Editorial team · 13 Sept

EIC STEP Defence: equity to scale up

• Up to EUR 30m investment
• Closes 28 October 2026

Explainer

European Union / European CommissionFunding & opportunitiesDeadline: 2026-10-28

EIC STEP Defence: equity for larger investment rounds

Applications run to 28 October. Ukrainian companies are included in the programme’s geographical scope.

Editorial team · 13 Sept

SAFE: finding the procurement route

• EUR 150bn in loans to states
• Joint defence procurement

Explainer

European Union / European CommissionFunding & opportunities

SAFE: start with the buyer, not the headline budget

The €150 billion instrument finances Member States. Suppliers need to identify the procurement route that could reach their product.

Editorial team · 12 Sept