EOA Project First Training Workshop of the EDF NFPs – “Capacity Building for NFPs”
The Croatian Defense Industry Competitiveness Cluster (HKKOI) successfully organized the first training workshop within the European Defence Fund (EDF) co-financed through the EOA (Enhancing Opportunities for All) project. The EOA Zagreb educational workshop was held from February 3rd to 7th, 2025, at the WESTIN Hotel.
Workshop Objectives
The purpose of the Zagreb educational workshop was to train EDF National Contact Points (NFPs) by familiarizing them with the complex structure of the EDF, approaches to complex EDF applications, various EDF programs, and opportunities for funding and co-financing research and development projects in the defense industry.
The workshop provided comprehensive training on navigating the European Defence Fund ecosystem, understanding application procedures, and developing successful project proposals. Participants gained valuable insights into the strategic importance of EDF funding for national defence industries and learned practical approaches to maximizing opportunities within the EDF framework.
“This workshop represents a crucial step in building capacity among National Focal Points across Europe. By sharing knowledge and best practices, we are strengthening the entire EDF ecosystem and enabling better support for defence industry stakeholders.”
International Participation
The EOA Zagreb educational workshop was attended by 19 NFP representatives from EU member states, delegates from various ministries of defense, and research and development institutions involved in the implementation of EDF projects.
As the umbrella organization for the defense industry of the Republic of Croatia, HKKOI, through close cooperation with the European Commission DG DEFIS and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Croatia, enabled participation in the training workshop and also provided interested representatives of the Croatian defense industry with the opportunity to learn about EDF programs and the possibilities of financing through EDF project funding work programs.
Key Training Topics
The workshop covered essential topics for effective NFP operations, including:
- EDF structure and governance mechanisms
- Application procedures and evaluation criteria
- Consortium building and partnership strategies
- Financial management and reporting requirements
- Stakeholder engagement and communication strategies
- Best practices from successful EDF projects
Workshop Recordings
To ensure wider accessibility and continued learning, the workshop sessions were recorded and are available online. These recordings serve as valuable resources for NFPs, industry stakeholders, and anyone interested in learning more about EDF opportunities.
Links to the training workshop recording:
Looking Ahead
HKKOI announced the second educational workshop for EDF–EOA “Capacity Building for NFPs,” which will be held in November 2025, in Slovenia.
The success of this first workshop has laid a strong foundation for continued capacity building efforts. The upcoming workshop in Slovenia will build upon the knowledge gained in Zagreb and further strengthen the network of EDF National Focal Points across Europe.
Additional Resources
Access to previous EOA trainings and webinars on EDF best practices is available on:
Additional Resources
Access to previous EOA trainings and webinars on EDF best practices is available on:
Workshop Gallery
