The Council of the European Union said on Monday that it has approved the first five European Defence Projects of Common Interest (EDPCIs) to strengthen Europe’s defence readiness and industrial capacity. The projects will bring European countries together to develop critical capabilities in drones and counter-drone systems, maritime and seabed defence, space, air and missile defence, and the protection of Europe’s eastern flank.
The new EDPCIs will contribute to the development of the military capabilities of EU Member States and are too large or complex to be implemented independently by individual countries. The five selected projects include addressing existing capability gaps in drone production (DECODER), detecting threats in the maritime environment and deterring adversaries (IMSD), using satellites for early warning of missile launches, satellite communications, intelligence, surveillance, precision positioning systems and time synchronization (space). The development of capabilities for the rapid deployment of replacement satellites into orbit when necessary is also envisaged.
The project for a connected EU air and missile defence system (EU-FIAMD), including early warning, envisages coordinated command and control. The project for protecting the EU’s eastern regions (EFW) covers the land, air, maritime and cyber domains, as well as other areas, with the aim of protecting the territory and strengthening defence readiness.
Bulgaria is participating in two of projects: DECODER (DronE and Counter Drone European Resolve) and IMSD (Integrated Maritime and Seabed Defence). Their projected cost is between EUR 3.5-5 billion and EUR 43-72 billion respectively.
Council of European Union Identifies First Five Defence Projects of Common Interest 2026 THE NEWS FROM BULGARIA – NEWS AGENCY 2009-2025 2026-09-28 10:59:00
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