Commission invests €910 million to boost European defence
The European Commission is investing €910 million through the European Defence Fund (EDF) 2024 to create a robust and innovative defence industry in Europe. These investments aim to close essential capability gaps such as force mobility and drone defence through innovation and collaboration across European science and industry. For the first time, Ukrainian defence industries can participate in EDF projects.
The strengthened cooperation between Ukrainian and European defence industries is supported by efforts from the EU Defence Innovation Office in Kyiv to foster closer ties and further integrate Ukraine into the European defence industrial base.
Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, stated: “The selected proposals support the development of critical capabilities such as air and missile defence systems and unmanned aerial vehicles, enabling European armed forces to respond to emerging threats and protect our citizens.”
The fourth edition of EDF calls has seen unprecedented interest from the EU defence industry and research organisations, attracting a record number of 299 proposals from 25 EU Member States or Norway. This highlights the growing interest in pan-European cooperation and joint strategic defence capability development. Over €360 million is allocated to 39 research projects and €539 million to 23 capability development projects in the selected proposals.
More information is available in a press release.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel.: + 32 2 299 10 99; Marine Strauss — Tel.: + 32 2 298 91 03)
Horizon Europe delivers strong returns, adding up to €11 to EU economy for every euro invested
Horizon Europe, the EUs flagship research and innovation programme for 2021-2027, is proving to be a major driver of economic and societal benefits. For every euro of costs to EU society, the programme is expected to generate up to six euros in benefits for EU citizens by 2045.
Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, said: “Horizon Europe is delivering on its promise to drive innovation and strengthen Europes competitiveness. Its strong returns and measurable economic impact clearly demonstrate its success.”
With a total budget of €93.5 billion, Horizon Europe stands at the heart of European competitiveness and innovation strength. The Commission will use the interim evaluations insights to enhance the impact of its policies and programmes.
More information is available in a press release.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel.: + 32 2 299 10 99; Nika Blazevic — Tel.: + 32 2 299 27 17)
EU funding worth €13.5 million to support pan-European reporting
The European Commission has launched a call for proposals to support independent reporting on EU affairs by pan-European outlets, with a budget of €13.5 million.
More information is available in a press release.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier - Tel.: +32 2 29 91099; Patricia Poropat - Tel.: +32 2 29 80485)
EU funds €5 million for media education and resilience against disinformation
The European Commission has launched two calls for proposals with a combined budget of nearly €5 million to strengthen societal resilience.
More information is available in our press release.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel.: + 32 2 29 91099; Patricia Poropat — Tel.: + 32 2 29 80485)
Commission clears acquisition of Alpha Satellite TV by United Group and Motor Oil Hellas
The European Commission has approved the acquisition of Alpha Satellite Television S.A. by United Group B.V. and Motor Oil Hellas.
More information is available on the competition website.
(For more information: Lea Zuber – Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98; Sara Simonini - Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Europeans celebrate 75 Years of unity on Europe Day 2025
On 9 May, Europeans will celebrate Europe Day. 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration.
More information is available in a press release.
(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Ana Apse-Paese – Tel.: +32 2 298 73 48)
The Commission launches European Diversity Month
More information is available in our press release.
(For more information : Eva Hrnčířová – Tel. : +32 2 298 84 33 ; Anna Gray – Tel. : +32 2 298 08 73)