STORY
The European Commission has proposed five major cross-border defence projects intended to strengthen cooperation between member states and partners on complex military capabilities. The proposals include drone and counter-drone systems, an eastern flank project, maritime and seabed defence, air and missile defence and space-based defence capabilities.
Reuters reported that the projects fall under the European Defence Projects of Common Interest framework and involve EU member states, Norway and Ukraine. The Commission said the aim was to improve long term collaboration and strengthen the competitiveness of Europe’s defence industry.
The proposals now require approval by the Council of the EU. The Commission has allocated initial funding through the European Defence Industry Programme, with larger investments expected over the longer term if the projects move forward.