Have your say on the interim evaluation of the European Defence Fund (EDF)

The Regulation (EU) 2021/697 establishing the European Defence Fund mandates that an interim evaluation of the EDF must be conducted no later than 4 years after the start of its implementation. The interim evaluation must assess how the EDF is delivering on its intended objectives.

Through a triangulation of data analyses, research work and consultations the interim evaluation will:

• Point out the achievements and lessons learned of the EDF and its precursor programmes.
• Reflect on the EDF design and implementation.
• Identify recommendations for the future, providing inputs on short-term and long-term adjustments and on synergies across EU programmes.

Overall, the interim evaluation will assess the progress made in implementing the EDF.

How to contribute?

DG DEFIS ensures an inclusive approach towards stakeholders and as part of it, a call for evidence was launched on 24 January 2024 to invite the public to submit research or position papers related to the EDF to our dedicated mailbox.

Next steps

In line with the Commission’s effort towards Better Regulation, the interim evaluation will assess the EDF’s efficiency, effectiveness, relevance, coherence and added value. The interim evaluation will lay the groundwork for the final evaluation of the EDF which will take place before 31 December 2031.

In a wider perspective, the interim evaluation will provide the evidence needed to inform the decision-making process on possible needs for adaptations of the EDF.

For more information

Access the call for evidence