Croatia Strengthens Industry Coordination to Expand Participation in EU Defense Fund
A defense industry event in Zagreb highlighted Croatia’s efforts to increase participation in the European Defence Fund. Stakeholders emphasized stronger coordination between industry, government, and research institutions.
An EDF Info Day held in Zagreb brought together representatives from Croatia’s defense industry, government institutions, and research community to advance national participation in the European Defence Fund, the European Union’s primary instrument for collaborative defense research and development.
The event was organized by the Croatian Defense Industry Competitiveness Cluster and the Croatian Employers' Association, with a focus on improving awareness of funding opportunities and strengthening cooperation among domestic stakeholders. The European Defence Fund allocates approximately €8 billion for the 2021 to 2027 period across more than 30 thematic areas.
Participants highlighted that Croatia’s defense sector has demonstrated a growing level of technological capability and innovation, with potential to expand its role in multinational European programs. The event also served as a platform for networking and facilitating partnerships required for EDF project consortia.
Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ivan Anušić indicated that the EDF offers opportunities for industrial growth, investment, and job creation, alongside strengthening national defense capabilities. Industry representatives stressed that coordinated engagement is essential for increasing competitiveness in EU-funded programs.
According to Goran Basarac, the national cluster plays a central role in connecting Croatian companies with European partners and supporting them throughout the EDF application process. This includes guidance from initial project development through to consortium building and submission.
Irena Weber emphasized the importance of alignment between industry and public institutions, noting that modern defense development increasingly relies on advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
During the event, a cooperation agreement was signed between the Ministry of Defence of Croatia and Agencija Alan d.o.o. on a project focused on the modernization of an anti-tank mine system. The agreement reflects ongoing efforts to reinforce institutional collaboration in defense development programs.
A panel discussion on the role of the European Defence Fund concluded that Croatian companies have an opportunity to integrate more deeply into European research and development frameworks, strengthen technological capabilities, and secure long-term positions within European defense supply chains.
The event underscored the role of coordinated national initiatives in improving access to EU defense funding and enhancing the international competitiveness of Croatia’s defense industry.
