The European Defence Agency (EDA) and the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 5 June to strengthen cooperation between the Commission's in-house science and research service and Member States’ collaborative defence projects.
Responding to a clear policy and operational need, the agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the two organisations, while fully respecting their respective institutional mandates and decision-making procedures.
The JRC offers first-class scientific expertise, independent evidence-based analysis and unique testing facilities that, until recently, were not available for defence-related activities. EDA supports Member States’ operational priorities and provides the collaborative frameworks that help transform research, technology and innovation into concrete defence capabilities.
“The added value of our collaboration is clear: the JRC connects its scientific excellence more directly to defence needs and Member States’ priorities. EDA gains access to world-class expertise, testing facilities and analytical support; and Member States benefit from stronger synergies between civilian and defence research and development,” said EDA Chief Executive André Denk.
“This new step in our partnership arrives at a pivotal moment for Europe’s defence. Research and innovation play a key role in achieving EU defence readiness. The EDA is a central actor in implementing major recent EU defence policies and initiatives. Our collaboration will help build a solid evidence base for strengthening our readiness and deterrence. Our shared ambition is to support the EU integrated approach to security and defence,” said Bernard Magenhann, Director-General of the JRC.
Under the agreement, EDA and the JRC will explore cooperation in a range of strategic areas, including artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, autonomous systems, advanced materials, sensors, critical infrastructure resilience, and climate- and energy-related technologies.
Among the areas identified for future cooperation is advanced materials testing, where the JRC brings specialised scientific expertise and facilities that could complement ongoing EDA activities. This includes ballistic protection, an area where Member States have already worked together through EDA's CERAMBALL projects on testing armour materials and protective solutions.
This agreement is fully aligned with EDA’s strengthened role under the 2024 Long-Term Review, which identifies collaborative defence research, technology and innovation as one of the Agency’s core tasks. The 27 EU Defence Ministers have also recently called for this role to be strengthened further.
The MoU is non-binding and is intended to facilitate practical cooperation, exchanges of expertise, and the development of concrete joint activities.