D. Palavenis: Silver bullet for small EU countries in defence innovation

The new Hub for EU Defence Innovation – how can small countries like Lithuania make the most out of it? Donatas Palavenis, a junior researcher at the Baltic Institute of Advanced Technology (BPTI), takes a look.

On June 1, the Hub for EU Defence Innovation (HEDI) was officially launched. The start was symbolically announced at the European Defence Innovation Day organised by the European Defence Agency (EDA), where the opening speech was given by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell.

The establishment of the HEDI was foreseen in the EU Strategic Compass for Security and Defence released in March. This document reflects other methods and measures that would strengthen EU defence and security until 2030.

The decision to establish the HEDI was taken on May 17 by the defence ministers of the member states of the EDA. Important to note, that preparatory work for the development of the HEDI started in May 2021.

Structurally, the HEDI will operate within the EDA that aims to promote innovation, collaboration and provide multifaceted benefits to its participants. It is assumed that HEDI activities would be carried out in areas that are recognised as important in the development of military capabilities, defence research and industrial development. The listed priorities are approved by all EU states participating in the activities of the EDA.

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