EU Allocates Horizon Europe Funding to Military Innovations Amid Criticism

2025-05-02 community

Brussels, Friday, 2 May 2025.
The EU’s decision to direct Horizon Europe funds toward military innovations aims to strengthen dual-use technologies. This strategy may benefit European businesses but raises academic concerns.

Strategic Shift in European Research Funding

On April 22, 2025, the European Commission unveiled significant amendments to existing EU funding programs, marking a decisive shift toward defense-related investments [1]. The changes will expand the scope of the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) to encompass defense technologies, with particular emphasis on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and drone development [2]. This initiative aligns with the broader ReArm Europe plan and aims to enhance the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) by 2030 [3].

Academic Concerns and Implementation Timeline

Universities across the Netherlands and Flanders have voiced significant concerns about this policy shift. Institutions that traditionally receive substantial Horizon Europe funding are particularly worried about the ‘normalization’ of defense research and a potential shift from fundamental to applied research [4]. The implementation timeline is clearly defined, with the European Commission planning to present an Omnibus Defence Simplification Package in June 2025 [5], while the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP) program has been extended until December 31, 2026 [2].

Financial Mechanisms and Business Opportunities

The initiative introduces flexible funding mechanisms, allowing Member States to voluntarily transfer resources from cohesion policy funds to the European Defence Fund and ASAP programs [1]. The European Innovation Council (EIC) will specifically support start-ups focusing on dual-use and defense-related innovations [2]. This approach aims to create new opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly through the EIC Accelerator program [4]. The Digital Europe Programme will further support this initiative by funding the development of AI Gigafactories, crucial for advanced technology production [2].

Political Response and Future Implications

The initiative has sparked political debate within the European Parliament. Some MEPs, including Danilo Della Valle from the Five Star Movement, have expressed strong opposition, arguing that the changes could divert funds from economically disadvantaged regions to the defense industry [2]. However, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has emphasized that ‘a new era for defence lies ahead of us,’ signaling the EU’s commitment to this strategic shift [3].

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Horizon Europe military innovation