European Commission Pushes for Closer Integration of Civil and Military Research Funding

The European Commission has unveiled plans to strengthen the collaboration between civilian and military research programs by integrating their funding streams more closely. This strategic move aims to accelerate innovation and enhance Europe’s technological capabilities by bridging the gap between the Horizon Europe program, which supports civilian research, and the European Defence Fund, dedicated to military projects. The goal is to create a more cohesive and efficient research ecosystem where advancements can be shared across sectors to benefit both civilian and defence applications.

Currently, civilian and military research operate under separate funding mechanisms, with differing priorities and requirements. Civilian research projects typically focus on broad technological development with fewer security restrictions, whereas military projects demand stringent security clearances and compliance with defence-specific protocols. This separation often limits the flow of innovation between sectors. The Commission’s proposal introduces mechanisms to facilitate the transfer of technologies developed under civilian programs into defence applications, a process referred to as “spin-in”, and vice versa, known as “spin-out.” By enabling this two-way transfer, the Commission hopes to maximize the return on research investments and speed up the adoption of new technologies.

One key challenge addressed by the proposal is aligning the different operational standards and security frameworks that currently hinder collaboration. To overcome this, the Commission plans to define specific technologies and readiness levels suitable for dual-use, ensuring that both civilian and defence institutions can engage effectively without compromising security. This alignment is crucial to creating a seamless interface between the two research environments.

Moreover, the Commission intends to encourage civilian start-ups and innovative companies with potential defence applications to participate in military research projects. By providing targeted investments and support, the initiative seeks to stimulate innovation and bring fresh ideas into defence technology development. This approach aims to boost Europe’s technological sovereignty by reducing dependency on external suppliers for critical technologies.

The Commission is expected to detail these proposals in its forthcoming revision of EU funding instruments. Success will depend heavily on the willingness of member states, research organizations, and private companies to adapt to new collaborative models and regulatory frameworks. Overall, this initiative marks a significant step toward building a more integrated, innovative, and resilient European research landscape that supports both economic growth and security needs.