Insights

The European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) is a €1.5 billion EU initiative designed to strengthen Europe’s defence industrial base, increase production capacity, and improve coordination among Member States. It responds to heightened security threats—especially following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine—and aims to make Europe more self-reliant, interoperable, and resilient in defence.

AGILE is a pilot instrument set to accelerate the development and testing of disruptive defence innovations and their market uptake, such as artificial intelligence, quantum or drones, focusing on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including start-ups and scale-ups. AGILE is designed for the ‘New Defence‘ players who move at high speed.

EIC Accelerator 2026: Why the Programme Is Becoming More Strategic for Deep-Tech Companies

Calls available under Cluster 3, covering challenges arising from persistent security threats, including cybercrime, as well as natural and man-made disasters. The "Civil Security for Society" program aims to effectively protect society, critical infrastructure, cultural assets, and our living environment from threats such as crime, terrorism, natural disasters, and other dangers. A key element of this is the involvement and targeted support of emergency services and decision-makers in the prevention, preparation, and management of crises and threat situations.