115 million euros for defense startups: European Parliament approves new program
The European Parliament has approved the €115 million AGILE program to support small and medium-sized enterprises developing new defense technologies. It is planned to be launched in early 2027, but this still requires approval from the Council of the European Union.
115 million euros for defense startups: European Parliament approves new program
According to the European Parliament's report on October 6, the initiative was supported by 536 MEPs. 101 MEPs voted against, while 16 abstained.
AGILE — the program to support rapid defense innovation — is aimed at providing fast and targeted financial assistance to enterprises working on new technologies. It is intended to be used by both startups and expanding companies.
The program is expected to accelerate the process of creating, testing, and bringing defense developments to the market. To this end, it is planned to speed up the procedure for awarding grants, as well as to facilitate access to testing and certification opportunities.
EU member states can participate in the process of defining the tasks to be addressed within the framework of the program. Through this, it is intended to adapt the products under development to the practical needs of the armed forces.
EU Commissioner for Technology Henna Virkkunen previously stated that AGILE should bring Europe's most creative technology companies closer to the defense industry.
Meanwhile, Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius emphasized that the methods of warfare are changing drastically, stating that the armed forces need new technologies, rapid delivery, and competitive prices.
Negotiators from the European Parliament and the EU Council reached a preliminary agreement on the program in July 2026. Now, the document must be approved by the EU Council and published in the official journal.