The EDF has two main pillars: research and development. The research pillar funds collaborative research projects to explore new defence technologies. The development pillar supports the joint development and procurement of defence equipment and technologies.

The EDF promotes cross-border collaboration. Projects must involve entities from at least three different EU member states to be eligible for funding. This encourages companies and research organizations to work together and share expertise.

The EDF prioritizes small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A certain percentage of the EDF budget is earmarked for SMEs to ensure they can participate in defence research and development. This helps to foster innovation and create new opportunities for smaller companies.

The EDF supports capability-driven projects. Funding is allocated to projects that address identified capability gaps and priorities of the EU, as defined in the Capability Development Plan (CDP). This ensures that the EDF contributes to the development of the defence capabilities that the EU needs most.

The EDF is managed by the European Commission, with input from member states. The Commission is responsible for setting priorities, evaluating proposals, and awarding funding. Member states are involved in the process through a steering board that provides guidance and oversight.

The EDF complements other EU initiatives, such as the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO). PESCO is a framework for closer defence cooperation among member states, while the EDF provides funding to support PESCO projects. This creates a synergistic effect, with PESCO identifying needs and the EDF providing resources.

The EDF respects the sovereignty of member states. It does not seek to create a European army or to interfere in national defence policies. Member states retain full control over their armed forces and defence spending.

The EDF aims to reduce duplication and fragmentation in European defence spending. By encouraging collaboration and joint procurement, the EDF helps to avoid wasteful spending on overlapping capabilities.

The EDF supports the development of key enabling technologies (KETs). These are technologies that are essential for the future of defence, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and advanced materials. Investing in KETs helps to ensure that the European defence industry remains competitive.

The EDF includes provisions for ethical and responsible innovation. Projects must comply with ethical principles and human rights standards. This ensures that defence technologies are developed and used in a responsible manner.

A key aim of the EDF is to strengthen the European defence industrial and technological base (EDTIB). This means supporting the competitiveness and innovation of European defence companies, ensuring they can meet the needs of member states' armed forces.

The EDF is not intended to replace national defence budgets. Instead, it provides additional funding to support collaborative projects that would not otherwise be possible. It's about 'more bang for the buck' through cooperation.

The EDF has a strong focus on cybersecurity. Given the increasing importance of cyber threats, the EDF funds projects to develop new cybersecurity technologies and capabilities for the defence sector.

The EDF has two main pillars: research and development. The research pillar funds collaborative research projects to explore new defence technologies. The development pillar supports the joint development and procurement of defence equipment and technologies.

The EDF promotes cross-border collaboration. Projects must involve entities from at least three different EU member states to be eligible for funding. This encourages companies and research organizations to work together and share expertise.

The EDF prioritizes small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A certain percentage of the EDF budget is earmarked for SMEs to ensure they can participate in defence research and development. This helps to foster innovation and create new opportunities for smaller companies.

The EDF supports capability-driven projects. Funding is allocated to projects that address identified capability gaps and priorities of the EU, as defined in the Capability Development Plan (CDP). This ensures that the EDF contributes to the development of the defence capabilities that the EU needs most.

The EDF is managed by the European Commission, with input from member states. The Commission is responsible for setting priorities, evaluating proposals, and awarding funding. Member states are involved in the process through a steering board that provides guidance and oversight.

The EDF complements other EU initiatives, such as the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO). PESCO is a framework for closer defence cooperation among member states, while the EDF provides funding to support PESCO projects. This creates a synergistic effect, with PESCO identifying needs and the EDF providing resources.

The EDF respects the sovereignty of member states. It does not seek to create a European army or to interfere in national defence policies. Member states retain full control over their armed forces and defence spending.

The EDF aims to reduce duplication and fragmentation in European defence spending. By encouraging collaboration and joint procurement, the EDF helps to avoid wasteful spending on overlapping capabilities.

The EDF supports the development of key enabling technologies (KETs). These are technologies that are essential for the future of defence, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and advanced materials. Investing in KETs helps to ensure that the European defence industry remains competitive.

The EDF includes provisions for ethical and responsible innovation. Projects must comply with ethical principles and human rights standards. This ensures that defence technologies are developed and used in a responsible manner.

A key aim of the EDF is to strengthen the European defence industrial and technological base (EDTIB). This means supporting the competitiveness and innovation of European defence companies, ensuring they can meet the needs of member states' armed forces.

The EDF is not intended to replace national defence budgets. Instead, it provides additional funding to support collaborative projects that would not otherwise be possible. It's about 'more bang for the buck' through cooperation.

The EDF has a strong focus on cybersecurity. Given the increasing importance of cyber threats, the EDF funds projects to develop new cybersecurity technologies and capabilities for the defence sector.