Our role
The Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) is the European Commission’s department responsible for strengthening the competitiveness, innovation, and resilience of Europe’s defence industry. We work to develop a sovereign and capable European defence technological and industrial base (EDTIB), ensuring that Europe can effectively respond to current and future security challenges. To achieve this, we enable strategic investments in defence supply chains, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Through initiatives like the European Defence Fund (EDF), cross-border collaboration is no longer an ambition but a working reality. At the heart of this effort, the European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS) sets the direction—brought to life through bold programmes such as the European Defence Investment Programme (EDIP), a €1.5 billion push to modernise production, fast-track cutting-edge technologies and secure vital equipment for Member States’ armed forces, while also deepening Ukraine’s defence integration. Alongside it, the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) finances urgent and large-scale procurement efforts, ensuring that Europe’s defence industry can deliver the necessary equipment when it is needed most.
Together, these initiatives ensure that Europe’s defence industry remains resilient, innovative, and prepared to meet current and future security challenges.
The White Paper on the future of European Defence - Rearming Europe
To ensure peace and continue to support Ukraine, Europe needs to strengthen its defense capabilities to be in charge of its own deterrence and defence.
Defence Readiness Omnibus
With the security environment deteriorating globally, Europe's ability to deter aggression and respond to crises depends on timely and credible preparedness. The Omnibus responds directly to the European Council’s call of 6 March 2025 for the Commission to accelerate work on simplifying legal and administrative frameworks relevant to defence readiness.
Defis Repository
This repository facilitates the search of previous publications and communication materials created by DG DEFIS. Item of this repository are public information and subjected to the copyright mentioned at the bottom of each document.
Other actions supporting our common defence industry
- Highlighted
The EU Defence Innovation Office in Kyiv supports joint military innovations and further represents the EU's commitment to Ukraine’s independence
An integrated EU approach
Assets & personnel mobility
facilitating know how sharing
Improving the sector's competitiveness
Honing defence skills
Defence-related small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are key enablers of innovation and growth
Towards an EU framework for Joint defence procurement
