A Council cover note dated 3 July 2026 proposes the identification of five European Defence Projects of Common Interest (EDPCIs) under the EDIP Regulation (EU) 2025/2643, affecting EU Member States and their defence industrial base. The five projects—DECODER (drones and counter-drones), IMSD (maritime and seabed defence), SPACE, EU-FIAMD (integrated air and missile defence), and EFW (Eastern Flank Watch)—each involve between 15 and 26 Member States and meet the criteria set out in Article 35(2) of the Regulation. The Commission launched a call for expression of interest on 16 February 2026, and Member States submitted nine project proposals by the deadline of 29 May 2026.
Four other proposals—ERCUL, ARTISYS, ARCADIA, and EDDS—were not identified due to insufficient clarity of objectives and maturity, but remain eligible for EDIP funding for further development. The Commission, the High Representative, and the European Defence Agency will participate or serve as observers in all five EDPCIs. The Decision is addressed to Member States and is scheduled for adoption at the Council meeting on 7 July 2026.