The matchmaking day was all about international cooperation, offering the defence and security industry the opportunity to meet and discuss opportunities. Αs an independent consultancy with expertise in EU funding mechanisms and cross-border programme delivery, EUDIMA’s participation focused on exploring consortium-building opportunities and connecting with potential partners across Europe and globally.,

European Defence Fund Matchmaking (Morning Session)

The EDF-matchmaking took place in the morning and gave participants the opportunity to connect with strategic partners for this European industrial development program. This session was specifically designed for knowledge institutes and companies eligible to participate in the European Defence Fund, focusing on collaborative research and development projects that require multi-national consortia.

Global Matchmaking (Afternoon Session)

The global matchmaking event took place in the afternoon and connected global partners to discuss opportunities in the context of industrial participation commitments. This session was open to all participants interested in defence-related international cooperation, including partnerships beyond Europe.

Strategic Importance

The matchmaking event served as an essential preparatory activity for the 36th edition of NEDS (Netherlands Defence and Security Exhibition), which took place the following day on November 20, 2025. By conducting matchmaking sessions the day before the exhibition, participants could establish initial contacts and then follow up during the exhibition itself, maximizing networking efficiency.

The timing was particularly strategic given that the 2025 EDF calls for proposals were open, with consortium-building activities in full force across Europe. The event provided a concentrated opportunity to advance EDF proposals and explore new collaboration possibilities.

Netherlands as a Defence Industry Hub

The event highlighted the Netherlands’ position as a key defence industry hub in Europe, with world-leading products and technologies. The NIDV serves as an international gateway into Dutch defence and security industry, facilitating partnerships and cooperation with international stakeholders.

Rotterdam’s strategic location and excellent infrastructure at Ahoy Rotterdam provided an ideal setting for this important matchmaking event, attracting participants from across Europe and beyond.

EUDIMA

EUDIMA’s participation in the Defence Industry Matchmaking 2025 reinforces our commitment to supporting European defence industrial cooperation through strategic partnership development, consortium building, and expert navigation of EU funding mechanisms.

EUDIMA conducted targeted B2B meetings with potential consortium partners, explored opportunities within the 2025 EDF Work Programme, connected with EU and international partners, and discussed consortium formation strategies with research institutes and knowledge centers from across Europe.

We thank NIDV and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) for organizing this highly valuable matchmaking event and facilitating meaningful connections across the European and global defence industry.