EU Council approves five joint defence projects for EDIP funding

The Council of the European Union approved five European Defence Projects of Common Interest, making them eligible for support under the European Defence Industry Programme. The selected portfolios address drones and counter-drone systems, maritime and seabed capabilities, space, integrated air and missile defense, and reinforcement of the eastern flank. They will share access to a dedicated EUR 325 million funding envelope and establish cooperative frameworks, but approval does not itself constitute delivery of equipment to participating armed forces. Member states must now turn these cooperative structures into detailed requirements, contracts, production plans, and deployable equipment.