Competitiveness fund

EESC opinion on the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Coucil on establishing the European Competitiveness Fund ('ECF’), including the specific programme for defence research and innovation activities, repealing Regulations (EU) 2021/522, (EU) 2021/694, (EU) 2021/697, (EU) 2021/783, repealing provisions of Regulations (EU) 2021/696, (EU) 2023/588, and amending Regulation (EU) [EDIP], COM(2025) 555 final

Background

The EU Competitiveness Fund is part of the MFF and aims to streamline and scale up support for innovation and industrial development by consolidating existing programmes like Horizon Europe, the Space Programme and the Innovation Fund. It will simplify access for users, especially SMEs, by offering a single application gateway and unified rules. The Fund will support the entire investment journey, from research to manufacturing, with a clear focus on EU priorities. It will be organised into a few sectoral windows (e.g. clean and digital transitions, defence, health) and use a common financial toolbox (grants, equity, guarantees, etc.). An advisory board of industry, research, and investor representatives will guide its priorities.

Practical information

Composition of the study group

Administrator in charge: Silvia STAFFA
Assistant: Alexandra SEIDENBERG

For more information please contact the INT Section Secretariat.