The conference brought together regional authorities, industry clusters, educational institutions, and key stakeholders to exchange experiences and best practices in developing defence-related strategies and accessing EU funding. Organized within the framework of the European Network of Defence-Related Regions (ENDR), the event placed particular focus on enhancing capabilities and opportunities for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) within the sector.

Strategic Objectives

The conference centered on two critical objectives: encouraging collaboration between the defence industry and educational institutions to promote careers, internships, and apprenticeships while aligning training programs with industry needs; and promoting the creation of cross-border training programs and consortia among educational and industry partners across EU Member States to facilitate access to EU funding opportunities.

High-Level European Participation

The event featured speakers and participants from across the European defence ecosystem, including representatives from the European Commission’s DG DEFIS, the European Defence Agency (EDA), national defence ministries, leading defence companies, university vice-rectors, research center directors, and industry association leaders from multiple Member States.

EUDIMA’s Strategic Engagement

“The conference highlighted a critical challenge facing European defence: substantial industry growth without corresponding workforce expansion,” said [Spokesperson Name, Title, EUDIMA]. “The event provided valuable insights into EU funding mechanisms supporting skills development, opportunities for industry-academia collaboration, and strategies for addressing the defence sector’s workforce gap. With our expertise in EU funding and cross-border programme delivery, EUDIMA is well-positioned to support clients in accessing education, training, and workforce development initiatives.”

EUDIMA participated in roundtable discussions on workforce skill development, explored sessions addressing SME access to European funding, and engaged in networking with executives, experts, and professionals from across the European defence community.

Key Topics Addressed

Conference discussions covered workforce skills gaps, educational programme alignment with industry needs, cross-border collaboration opportunities, SME support mechanisms, innovation ecosystems, technology transfer, dual-use competencies, regional defence strategies, and defence innovation through skills development.

Regional Approach to Defence Skills

The conference’s organization under the European Network of Defence-Related Regions (ENDR) framework emphasized the importance of regional approaches to defence industrial development. ENDR serves as a platform for regional authorities, clusters, and organizations to collaborate on enhancing defence capabilities and accessing EU support mechanisms.

EUDIMA remains committed to supporting European defence industrial cooperation through our expertise in EU funding mechanisms and cross-border programme delivery, including initiatives that strengthen the skills base essential for a competitive and innovative European defence sector.

We thank the European Commission’s DG DEFIS, SEKPY, and all conference organizers for facilitating this important dialogue on skills development in the EU defence ecosystem.