Joining forces: can European Defence Projects of Common Interest deliver?
marianna.liana…
Mon, 11/09/2026 – 10:00
6 minutes
The approval of the first five European Defence Projects of Common Interest (EDPCIs) in September 2026 marks an important step in the EU’s attempts to fill key capability gaps and reduce the fragmentation of efforts and resources that hinders European defence. EDPCIs are intended to be major initiatives that are too complex for individual Member States to undertake alone. The five EDPCIs cover drones and counter-drone systems; maritime and seabed defence; space; integrated air and missile defence; and protection of the eastern flank. These projects have the potential to drive capability development and give momentum to cooperation. However, EDPCIs will need to overcome several challenges related to their structure, their limited funding, and their fit with existing initiatives. To succeed, they need to be sufficiently resourced, focused on delivering results, and grounded in political and operational realities.
Common ambitions, practical obstacles
One challenge faced by the EDPCIs is their breadth. By nature, EDPCIs are meant to be complex …read more