The EU's new defence industry programme, the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), is to become part of the European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement. The decision means that Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein can participate in the programme, and that Norwegian companies will have the opportunity to apply for support for investments aimed at strengthening the European defence industry's production capacity.
According to a press release from the Norwegian government, EDIP aims to strengthen Europe's defence industry, increase production capacity, and support member states' defence capabilities as well as military assistance to Ukraine.
"To be entirely concrete, our participation in the programme means that Norway can, for example, join forces with the EU to increase the capacity to produce advanced military explosives and rocket motors in Norway. We know that these are capabilities Ukraine is requesting and where Norwegian producers play a key role," says Norway's Minister of Defence, Tore O. Sandvik, in the press release.
The programme also includes measures to strengthen the defence industry's security of supply. A new European defence industry readiness board will monitor the production of defence materiel and be able to identify risks of supply disruptions. Norway will participate in the board alongside EU member states.
In the event of a supply crisis, the board will be able to recommend measures such as the prioritisation of defence orders and the conversion of civilian production to military production.
"The defence industry is an integral part of Europe's defence capability. Tools for preventing supply crises strengthen European preparedness in times of crisis and war. Norway's place at the table alongside EU member states enables us to contribute situational awareness and to ensure that the EU's new crisis tools are used with careful consideration," says Sandvik.
According to the Norwegian government, the first calls for applications under EDIP are expected to be launched in 2026 and 2027, once the programme rules have been finalised.