The Defence ministry confirmed on Friday that ten Cypriot participants have secured involvement in the European Defence Fund (EDF) projects, with expected European Commission funding of approximately €14 million.

The announcement follows the Commission’s evaluation report on Wednesday for proposals submitted under the EDF work programme.

 A total of 57 projects were selected for funding across the EU, with an overall budget exceeding €1 billion.

According to the defence ministry, Cypriot enterprises are involved in 16 of the approved projects.

It described this as reflecting “the targeted policy of the defence ministry to strengthen the innovation and competitiveness of the domestic defence and security ecosystem”.

The ministry added that national co-financing of around €1.5 million will be provided to support the successful Cypriot proposals, in line with its research and development strategy.

In its statement issued on Friday, it said the outcome demonstrates the growing integration of Cyprus into European defence research programmes, commending that “the defence ministry, through a coherent policy and targeted actions, is constantly strengthening the development of the local ecosystem of research, innovation and defence industry”.

The EDF supports collaborative defence research and capability development across EU member states, aiming to strengthen technological cooperation and reduce fragmentation in the European defence sector.

Cyprus’ participation comes alongside wider EU defence funding initiatives.

Earlier this year, the European Council approved almost €1.2 billion in loans for Cyprus under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme, designed to support defence investment and the acquisition of modern military equipment.

At the time, President Nikos Christodoulides said the approval was “an important financial tool”, adding that it reflected “the important work we have done internally” and remarking that Cyprus was “among the first member states where the relevant amount was approved”.

The SAFE programme is part of a broader EU effort to expand joint procurement and strengthen defence readiness across member states, with a total allocation exceeding €150 billion.

Cypriot authorities have said the funding will support long-term modernisation of the national guard and defence infrastructure through to 2030.

The defence ministry has previously said that participation in EU defence programmes strengthens Cyprus’ position within European security structures while supporting the development of the domestic defence industry.

It has also highlighted the role of smaller firms in research and technology projects linked to defence applications.

Minister Vasilis Palmas congratulated Cypriot participants involved in the latest EDF projects, saying the results reflect “a coherent policy and targeted actions” to strengthen the country’s defence innovation base.

The ministry said it will continue to encourage participation in European programmes and support research and development activity linked to defence and security, with the aim of increasing Cyprus’ involvement in future funding cycles.