Programmes & projects
Based on the Joint Action, there are two types of EDA programmes and projects: Category A and Category B. Both types are based on the principles of "who participates, decides" and "géométrie variable". Both types are lauched by a Steering Board decision.
Category A programmes and projects
One or more participating Member States (pMS) or the Agency’s Chief Executive can propose this type of cooperation and presume general participation of all 26 pMS unless they decide to "opt-out". In practice, Cat. A programmes tend to have a larger number of participants. The Steering Board decides on the establishment of a Cat. A programme. A Management Committee, consisting of the contributing members, takes decisions on the implementation of the Programme.
Examples of this type of collaboration are the Joint Investment Programmes on Force Protection and on Innovative Concepts and Emerging Technologies.
Category B programmes and projects
One or more participating Member States can propose this type of cooperation, which is open to other pMS ("opt-in"). There is a large amount of Cat. B projects, varying from two contributing members to a larger number. Generally, Cat. B projects have a limited number of contributing members. Examples of existing Cat. B projects are Bio-EDEP, ESSOR, MIDCAS and MUSIS. Examples of other existing Category B Projects can be found on this website.
The Steering Board decides on the establishment of Cat. B projects with a one month silence procedure. Once established, the contributing members take decisions on the implementation of the programme.
Category A+B combined programmes and projects
Although not foreseen by the Joint Action, the combination of Cat. A and Cat. B programmes and projects also exists. In such a case, the Cat. A programme provides the "umbrella", under which several Cat. B. projects exist. An example is the Cat. A programme Unmanned Maritime Systems (UMS), with Cat. B projects like Maritime Mine-Counter Measures in its "umbrella". Decision making procedures for the Cat. A "umbrella" programme and for the individual Cat. B projects within it are the same as for other Cat. A and Cat. B programmes and projects.