EU to strengthen EDA with new focus on procurement

In response to growing security threats, the EU will strengthen the European Defence Agency (EDA) in a three-step approach, with the first focused on reinforcing procurement and research.  

The initial step, which the EDA announced was endorsed by EU defence ministers on 12 May, is expected to begin in mid-2026. A primary focus of the step will be to establish a new collaborative defence procurement centre, which will bring together weapons industry experts, enabling the EDA to manage multiple projects simultaneously.  

The centre will focus on contracted services and off-the-shelf equipment, complementing existing efforts from national agencies and other organisations such as the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation. 

In addition to this, the EDA also plans to expand operational experimentation campaigns, to assist the development and integration of new technologies.  

“Today’s endorsement of our strengthening plans by the EDA Ministerial Steering Board marks an essential step towards deeper defence cooperation at EU level, while ensuring that member states remain firmly in the driving seat,” said André Denk, EDA Chief Executive.  

The remaining two steps are intended to further reinforce the EDA’s central role in capability development and in policy support, including existing and potential partnerships with third countries and international organisations. 

These steps will additionally focus on “implementing cross-cutting organisational measures” to improve the agency’s effectiveness. While the EDA does not provide detail on what these measures might be, it says that the goals of the last two steps will be refined in the coming months.  

Together, this phased approach is expected to span a three-year period.  

The decision to initiate the stepped approach follows previous European Council conclusions calling for the EDA to have a reinforced role in defence capability development, collaborative research, and joint acquisition efforts.  

The ambitions underpinning the approach are aligned with the EDA’s 2024 Long-Term Review, which places a strong focus on supporting member states through the full development cycle of military capabilities.