The European Network of Defence-related Regions (ENDR) was launched in 2016 by the European Commission. Until the end of 2021, ENDR was funded by the COSME programme. From 2022 onwards, the ENDR is funded by the European Defence Fund (EDF).
ENDR has 3 objectives:
- Bringing regional organisations and clusters together to exchange best practices on how to develop defence-related development strategies, including the integration of defence industrial and research assets into smart specialisation strategies, and support defence-related SMEs;
- Facilitating the flow of information for funding opportunities (such as the European Defence Fund, and other EU structural and investment funds); and
- Promoting the development of regional clusters of excellence.
As of 31 January 2026, 101 entities from 23 Member States and Norway are members of the network.
Since its inception, DG DEFIS, together with ENDR members, have organised 30 conferences/workshops in the past 10 years on topics such as maritime security, drones, skills in defence industry, cybersecurity and others. More conferences and events are taking place in 2026.
DG DEFIS has also been organising annual meetings with ENDR members since 2016.
DG DEFIS is in regular contact with members to keep them informed about relevant funding initiatives, and open to suggestions for future events.
You can contact us by email DEFIS-ENDR
ec [dot] europa [dot] eu (DEFIS-ENDR[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu).
New members
Areas of activity
The cluster concentrates on capability areas of direct relevance to EU security and defence priorities, including: protection and resilience of critical infrastructure and essential services; civil defence, disaster preparedness, and crisis response under degraded conditions; dual-use sensing, photonics, quantum, and advanced digital technologies; uncrewed systems, counter-UAS, and multi-layer situational awareness; and Secure communications, data integration, and decision-support systems.
About Defence Technology Cluster Ireland (DTCI)
DTCI is a defence-related regional cluster of excellence established to strengthen European security, resilience, and strategic autonomy through coordinated capability development, operational validation, and cross-border cooperation.
DTCI functions as a structured coordination layer between Irish and European industry, SMEs, research organisations, civil protection authorities, and defence stakeholders. The cluster’s primary task is to accelerate the translation of advanced technologies from research and civilian domains into deployable defence-relevant and civil-resilience capabilities, with a clear focus on operational effectiveness under real-world conditions.
DTCI is explicitly aligned with European capability development frameworks and funding instruments, including the European Defence Fund (EDF), the EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS), Horizon Europe Cluster 3 (Civil Security for Society), and relevant European Defence Agency capability technology building blocks. The cluster actively supports consortium formation, partner matchmaking, and early capability shaping for EU-funded actions, particularly where civil resilience and defence capability development intersect.
A defining characteristic of DTCI is its commitment to operational realism and end-user relevance. The cluster places strong emphasis on engagement with defence practitioners, civil protection actors, and infrastructure operators, and on incorporating field-derived lessons into technology development, testing, and deployment pathways. DTCI maintains active cooperation with partners across EU Member States and Ukraine, ensuring that insights from contemporary crisis and conflict environments directly inform European capability development in line with EU policy objectives.
DTCI contributes to the European defence ecosystem not only as a beneficiary of programmes, but as a regional enabler and integrator. The cluster commits to supporting ENDR objectives by sharing expertise, facilitating inter-regional collaboration, strengthening cross-border industrial and research linkages, and contributing to the practical implementation of EU security, defence, and resilience priorities.
Visit the website
Point of contact
Michael Richardson, Director of Strategy -ops2dtci [dot] info (ops2[at]dtci[dot]info)
Areas of Activity
NORDSEC focuses on innovative defence technologies, including SMEs in cybersecurity, electronics, the land sector, maritime operations, and aerial UAV/UAS (including UTM and counter-UAV/UAS systems). The cluster also covers high-reliability semiconductor components, defence, force protection and mobility, and artificial intelligence.
About NORDSEC
The Nordic Defence and Security Cluster (NORDSEC) is a network of over 100 member companies (as of January 2026). Its members primarily fall into four categories: tech companies, manufacturers, start-ups and student organizations, and consultancy and/or service providers.
NORDSEC began onboarding international members in 2025 and has established memorandums of understanding with several national and international clusters. The cluster is guided by a steering group and is financed through support from Innovation Norway, alongside membership fees.
Based in Trondheim, Norway, NORDSEC serves as a hub for collaboration and innovation in the Nordic defence and security sector.
Visit the website
Point of Contact
Tevje Ravn Eggan, Managing Director - tevjefi-nor [dot] no (tevje[at]fi-nor[dot]no)
Areas of activity
MCN focuses on advanced materials, cybersecurity, Naval, aerial UAV/UAS - including UTM, Defence, Marine/Submarine Technology, Underwater Noise, Maritime Security, Maritime safety, and Marine renewable energies.
The cluster also covers Industry 4.0, Renewable energy, Dual Technologies, Digital Twin, Sustainability, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, 3D Printing and Technologies.
About MARITIMES CLUSTER NORDDEUTSCHLAND E. V.
With more than 350 members from business, science and politics, the Maritime Cluster Northern Germany (MCN) is the maritime industry’s network. With regional branch offices in Bremen, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein, MCN is present in northern Germany and works closely together with local stakeholders on the ground. One of the main goals of the Maritime Cluster Northern Germany is to promote innovations and projects in the maritime sector. MCN advises on project ideas, provides information about funding programmes and helps in the search for suitable project partners.
MCN coordinates eight specialist groups focusing on innovation management, maritime information and communication technologies, maritime law, maritime safety, maritime economy offshore wind, personnel and qualifications, ship efficiency as well as subsea communications.
The Maritime Cluster Northern Germany was founded in 2011. The federal states of Hamburg, Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein initially worked together in the cross-state cluster; Bremen and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania also joined in September 2014. MCN has been operating as an association since 2017.
The association is also active in national and European networks and participates in funding programs to promote innovation and internationalization.
Visit the website
https://www.maritimes-cluster.de/
Points of contact
- Jessica Wegener, Managing Director - jessica [dot] wegenermaritimes-cluster [dot] de (jessica[dot]wegener[at]maritimes-cluster[dot]de)
- Maria Haas, Internationalisation - maria [dot] haasmaritimes-cluster [dot] de (maria[dot]haas[at]maritimes-cluster[dot]de)
Areas of activitiy
Hamburg Aviation e.V. focuses on Industry 4.0, cybersecurity, aerospace, robotics, aerial UAV/UAS - including UTM, 3D Printing.
About HAMBURG AVIATION e.V.
As part of the City of Hamburg’s strategic economic support for key industrial sectors, the Hamburg Aviation cluster agency brings together businesses, research, academia and public policy.
The aim of the cluster: to ensure not only the ongoing economic success of the aviation industry but also to support it in its transformation towards a more environmentally friendly future.
Responding to the needs of the members and partners of the cluster, Hamburg Aviation e.V. helps its members develop solutions to the challenges facing the industry in a focussed and effective way.
Dedicated teams for sustainable aviation, international relations, skills and careers, urban air mobility, cabin excellence and communications work with the members of the cluster to support their business, develop skills and network with organisations at regional, national and international levels
In response to the cluster members’ growing interest in the defence sector, Hamburg Aviation e.V. is also initiating events and processes to support companies in gaining access to defence markets.
Visit the website
https://www.hamburg-aviation.de
Point of contact
- Ralf Gust, Managing Director - ralf [dot] gusthamburg-aviation [dot] com (ralf[dot]gust[at]hamburg-aviation[dot]com)
- Niklas Schilling, Manager International Affairs - Niklas [dot] Schillinghamburg-aviation [dot] com (Niklas[dot]Schilling[at]hamburg-aviation[dot]com)
Stay inspired with the EU Defence Observer newsletter, your monthly gateway to the dynamic world of EU defence.
The EU Defence Observer is a new monthly newsletter dedicated to raising awareness among individuals interested in defence activities carried out by the Commission, with a focus on programme directly supported by DG DEFIS.
- Organisations
ENDR brings together defence-related regional organisations and clusters with SMEs, suppliers, manufacturers and other key stakeholders. Explore the map to find a defence-related organisation that could help your dual-use activities. Total number of members: 95
- Join the network
By sharing information on dual-use strategies, developments and events, ENDR members help shape the European strategy for defence-related regions. If you are a regional organisation, cluster or similar body in the EU (or Norway), you can join the network by filling in the form.
- Resources
This page provides an overview of the different funding and networking opportunities in the EU and beyond. How can you support your future project?
