On 29 April, the European Parliament adopted the Regulation establishing the European Defence Fund (EDF). The Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD) welcomes this important and final step towards the implementation of the EDF.

By boosting Research and Development (R&D) cooperation in the defence sector, the EDF will strengthen the competitiveness and innovation capacity of the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base. In conjunction with other initiatives, namely PESCO (Permanent Structured Cooperation) and CARD (Coordinated Annual Review on Defence), and in coordination with NATO, the European Defence Fund constitutes a milestone for European defence cooperation.

“With today’s adoption, the European Parliament has prepared the ground for the timely launch of the EDF in 2021. We at ASD are convinced that the EDF is a major contribution to enhance European technological sovereignty in a strategic sector and stand ready to support the European Institutions in their efforts to further develop European defence,” stated ASD Secretary General Jan Pie.

ASD is the voice of European Aeronautics, Space, Defence and Security Industries, actively promoting and supporting the competitive development of the sector by advocating common positions towards European Institutions and International Organisations.