European Defence and Security Procurement – Recent Developments

Drawing on feedback gathered through its market outreach and evidence-gathering exercise, the European Commission is moving toward a substantial overhaul of the EU framework governing defence and security procurement. This course will explore how a modernised legal approach could more effectively support the acquisition of cutting-edge solutions – such as artificial intelligence and advanced digital tools – while strengthening Europe’s collective defence capacity by maximising the impact of innovation.

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the rules, procedures, and evolving dynamics of defence and security procurement in Europe, particularly in light of the current geopolitical tensions. As Europe faces unprecedented challenges due to the ongoing war crisis, the need for an in-depth understanding of defence procurement frameworks has never been more crucial.

You will gain essential insights into the European Defence Procurement Directive, the cornerstone of procurement rules in the EU. The course will also offer a deep dive into emerging tools such as the European Defence Fund (EDF), which is pivotal in shaping joint procurement and capability planning within the EU framework. Additionally, the course covers the European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS) and the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), offering you an understanding of your role in strengthening Europe’s defence posture.

This course is tailored for procurement professionals, legal experts, auditors, and stakeholders in the defence industry, providing a forum for learning and debate on the latest regulatory frameworks, including the newly introduced European Defence Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement (EDIRPA) and the Act in Support of Ammunition Procurement (ASAP).

By leveraging interactive tools such as case studies and quizzes, you will engage with complex scenarios in a practical setting, ensuring you leave with a holistic understanding of defence and security procurement processes.

By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the intricacies of European defence procurement, ensuring you understand the latest developments and emerging trends in this rapidly evolving sector.

What will you learn

• You will gain a thorough understanding of the European Defence Procurement Directive and its application to current public procurement challenges, particularly in the context of the ongoing war crisis.
• You will learn practical strategies for navigating EU defence initiatives, such as the European Defence Fund (EDF) and the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), to effectively manage joint procurement and capability planning.
• The course will provide insight into the European Defence Industry Strategy (EDIS) and its role in supporting security and defence sectors, especially during times of geopolitical change.
• You will explore the latest EU initiatives on defence procurement provided by European Commission experts, including the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement (EDIRPA) and the Act in Support of Ammunition Procurement (ASAP), with practical examples and real-world case studies.
• You will apply your knowledge through interactive sessions, quizzes, and case-based learning, ensuring you are equipped with actionable tools to address current and emerging challenges in defence and security procurement.

Course methodology

This course will deliver an engaging and interactive learning experience through a combination of live lectures, real-world case studies, and quizzes designed to reinforce the key concepts.

By leveraging these interactive tools, you will engage with complex scenarios in a practical setting, ensuring you leave with a holistic understanding of defence and security procurement processes.

As part of the learning journey, you will have exclusive access to our online learning platform. Here, all course presentations and supplementary reading materials will be readily available, facilitating continuous learning and deeper exploration beyond the classroom. This platform serves as a valuable resource hub, empowering you to reinforce your understanding and delve deeper into course topics at your own pace.

The course will inform you of the most recent defence and security procurement updates, highlighting new rules, procedures, and available funding. You will develop the necessary skills to navigate complex procurement processes, manage joint procurement initiatives, and understand the practical implications of the European Defence Fund (EDF) and related programmes.

Additionally, the course will enhance your ability to identify and mitigate risks within the procurement process, empowering you to make well-informed decisions aligned with current strategic and regulatory frameworks. You will also gain valuable insights into collaborating with authorities across both public and private sectors, crucial for executing cross-border procurement projects.

Following the course, you will receive all course slides, supplementary learning materials, and online resources used by experts, enabling you to apply your newly acquired knowledge directly in your professional activities.

The course is intended for those who deal with procurement in the defence sector, as well as public officials from European national and sub-national authorities and other public bodies in EU Member States and candidate countries and in European institutions, agencies and bodies.

It is also of interest for economic operators in the defence industries as well as non-traditional defence stakeholders (civil industries, SMEs, research organisations, universities, etc) with interest in the area.

Project number: 2630806

Course venue
European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA)
O.L. Vrouweplein 22
6211 HE, Maastricht
The Netherlands

Project Management Officer
Ms Belinda Vetter
Tel: +31 43 3296382
b.vetter@eipa.eu

Fee
The fee includes documentation, refreshments, lunches, and a dinner. Accommodation and travel costs are at the expense of the participants or their administration.

Discounts
EIPA member fee
EIPA offers a discount to all civil servants working for one of EIPA’s supporting countries, and civil servants working for an EU institution, body or agency.

Who are the supporting countries?
Civil servants coming from the following EIPA supporting countries are entitled to get the reduced fee: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden.

For all other participants, the regular fee applies.

Early bird discount
EIPA offers 10% off on registrations made eight weeks or more before the start of a course. The early bird discount is not cumulative with other discounts or promo codes, except for the EIPA member fee.

Loyalty coupon
As a token of appreciation we offer all our participants a loyalty coupon for one of our future courses. The offer can be shared with colleagues and relevant networks. The coupon will expire one year after its release. This discount is not cumulative with other discounts, except for the EIPA member fee.

Meals
Dietary preferences can be indicated on the registration form.

Hotels
EIPA has a special price arrangement with a few hotels. The hotels are within walking distance from EIPA. Payment is to be made directly and personally to the hotel upon checking out.

• Derlon If you wish to take advantage of this special price, please click on the hotel name to book directly using the link
  info@derlon.com
  +31 (0)43 321 67 70
• Townhouse If you wish to take advantage of the special price, use the word ‘EIPA’ in the promotion code field
  info@townhousehotels.nl
  +31 (0)43 323 30 90
• Mabi If you wish to take advantage of the special price, use the word ‘EIPA’ in the promotion code field
  info@hotelmabi.nl
  +31 (0)43 351 44 44
• Kaboom Hotel If you wish to take advantage of the special price, use the word ‘EIPA’ in the promotion code field
  info@kaboomhotel.nl
  +31 (0)43 325 33 40
• Leonardo Boutique Hotel
  reservations.maastrichtcitycenter@leonardo-hotels.nl
• The Social Hub If you wish to take advantage of the special price, use the word ‘EIPA2026’ in the promotion code field

Confirmation
Confirmation of registration will be forwarded to participants on receipt of the completed online registration form.

Payment
Prior payment is a condition for participation.

Cancellation policy
For administrative reasons you will be charged €150 for cancellations received within 15 days before the activity begins. There is no charge for qualified substitute participants.

EIPA reserves the right to cancel the activity up to 2 weeks before the starting date. In that case, registration fees received will be fully reimbursed. EIPA accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred (travel, accommodation, etc.).

A few days before the start of the course you will receive the log-in details for accessing the course materials. You can log in here.