Support to the EDF National Focal Points (NFP) network

The main goal of this opportunity is to strengthen the network of National Focal Points (NFPs) involved in the European Defence Fund (EDF). It focuses on improving cross-border collaboration, enhancing the skills and services of NFPs, and supporting the creation of strong consortia for EDF calls. Key areas include organizing joint trainings, sharing best practices, developing promotional materials, and facilitating partnerships with networks like the Enterprise Europe Network. Activities must take place in eligible European countries and support the participation and competence of NFPs in the EDF framework.

• Provide joint trainings, twinning, and peer learning to enhance EDF-NFPs’ capabilities and service quality
• Develop shared promotional tools, digital platforms, and partner search features to support EDF participation
• Organise cross-border matchmaking at major defence events and info days to foster collaboration
• Improve cooperation with Enterprise Europe Network, industry associations, and Horizon Europe NCPs
• Strengthen EDF-NFP network coordination, cross-border synergies, and overall impact on EU defence innovation

Examples:

• A consortium from 12 EU countries organizes a series of joint training sessions and develops a toolkit for new NFPs.
• National support structures from 10 Member States set up a twinning program to share best practices and improve stakeholder services.
• Participants from 15 eligible countries collaborate to create promotional materials and matchmaking events to help form consortia for EDF calls.

• Personnel costs for employees, direct contract workers, seconded staff, SME owners, and natural person beneficiaries
• Subcontracting costs (work must be performed in eligible countries)
• Travel and subsistence expenses (actual costs only)
• Equipment costs (depreciation only)
• Purchase of other goods, works, and services
• Internally invoiced goods and services (unit cost based on usual accounting practices)
• Indirect costs at a flat rate of 25% of eligible direct costs (excluding certain categories)
• Non-deductible/non-refundable VAT (except for VAT paid by public bodies acting as authorities)
• Costs for kick-off meetings organized by the granting authority (under specific conditions)

Restrictions: VAT paid by public bodies as public authorities is not eligible. Subcontracting is limited to eligible countries. Key project management and training tasks cannot be subcontracted.

• Total budget of the grant: 2,000,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 1
• Maximum per project: 2,000,000€
• Maximum project duration: 36 months (extensions possible if justified)

• Applicants must be national support structures hosting the EDF National Focal Points (NFPs) or their alternates, officially nominated by a Member State or EDF Associated Country.
• Applicants must be legal entities (public or private bodies) established in eligible countries (EU Member States, overseas countries and territories, or listed EEA/EDF Associated Countries).
• Proposals must be submitted by a consortium involving at least 10 eligible countries.
• Applicants must have their executive management in an eligible country and not be controlled by a non-associated third country, unless specific guarantees are provided.
• Natural persons (except self-employed sole traders) and most international organizations are not eligible.
• Entities without legal personality may participate only if their representatives can take legal obligations and provide sufficient guarantees.
• All activities, infrastructure, and resources must be located in eligible countries, with exceptions only under certain conditions.
• Applicants must comply with EU values, policies, and ethical standards, and demonstrate sufficient financial and operational capacity.