Since its foundation in 2004, the European Defence Agency and its participating Member States have launched numerous collaborative projects, boosting Pooling & Sharing of capabilities in areas such as Air-to-Air Refuelling, Counter-IED, maritime surveillance, cyber defence or helicopter availability. At the same time, the Agency concentrates on enablers for cooperation like standardisation and certification; it also conducts research & technology projects, works on initiatives in support of the European defence industry, and advances an innovative dualuse approach.
One of the missions of the European Defence Agency (EDA) is to promote synergies with wider EU policies, including with a view to reinforcing the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base. In this regard, EDA initiated activities to facilitate the access to European Structural Funds for defence actors.