What we do

 Credit: European Union

EDA’s mission is to support the Council and the Member States in their effort to improve the European Union’s defence capabilities for the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

EDA is one of the youngest European Union Agencies. It works on the basis of a new approach, tailored to the military needs of tomorrow, providing different and often innovative solutions.

EDA and its participating Member States have launched important projects such as helicopters availability, the European Air Transport Fleet or the insertion of Unmanned Aircraft Systems into normal airspace, to name but a few.

EDA is pragmatic, cost effective and results oriented. It offers multinational solutions for capability improvement in a time where defence budget constraints foster the need for cooperation.

"Over the last 10 years we have gained experience from 21 civil missions and military operations. We know what capabilities are needed for both the civilian and the military operators in the field. Here the European Defence Agency is to continue to play a pivotal role." Catherine Ashton, Head of EDA, February 2010