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Defence Industry and Space

Who are we?

Our role 

The Commission's role in the European Defence Industry

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The Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG-DEFIS) is the European Commission's department tasked with strengthening the competitiveness and innovation of the European Defence industry by ensuring the evolution of an able European defence technological and industrial base.
To do so, we enable investments to support defence supply chains, with a special attention on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). We also facilitate their involvement in cross-border partnerships through various tools such as the European Defence Fund (EDF).
Our work is guided by the recently published European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS) and is implemented through a set of programmes and initiatives.

The Commission's role in space

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The Commission's Directorate General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) plays a pivotal role in the European Union Space Programme. Its activities include assessing current trends, identifying emerging challenges, and ensuring that the objectives of the Space Programme are aligned with broader EU priorities such as innovation, economic growth, and security.
DG DEFIS plays a crucial role in developing and enforcing the regulatory frameworks that govern space activities within the EU. This includes ensuring compliance with international treaties, licensing procedures, safety standards, and safeguarding security interests to promote responsible behaviour in space. 
DG DEFIS also actively supports the growth and competitiveness of the European space industry. It does this by providing targeted incentives (with a special focus on SMEs), fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, promoting technology transfers, and facilitating access to finance and markets. Furthermore, DG DEFIS seeks to enhance Europe's global influence by leveraging its resources and engaging with strategic stakeholders, partners and international organisations in international fora, where it promotes peaceful collaboration in the space domain.

Organisation chart 

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  • General publications
  • 1 October 2024
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Career opportunities 

DG DEFIS relies on the skills and expertise of a dynamic, committed and multidisciplinary team. We are always on the lookout for new colleagues ready to contribute to the competitiveness of the EU Defence Industry and the implementation of the EU Space Programme.
Join us and make a difference: check out the website of the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) for vacancies.

Contact

Address: Av. d'Auderghem 45, 1040 Bruxelles 
Drop us an e-mail at: DEFIS-COMMUNICATIONatec [dot] europa [dot] eu (DEFIS-COMMUNICATION[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)