Programme for agile and rapid defence innovation (AGILE)
In interinstitutional negotiations (trilogues). Parliament and Council are working toward a provisional agreement, which would still need formal adoption to become law.
Last active 03 Jun 2026
What this bill does
In plain terms: what it changes and who it affects.
The bill creates a one-year EU programme funding fast development and uptake of innovative defence technologies by SMEs and start-ups.
It mainly affects defence-focused SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups, including civilian technology firms entering defence markets. Member States’ armed forces and European defence manufacturers may use the resulting technologies.
- Creates AGILE for 1 January to 31 December 2027 with a EUR 115 million budget.
- Funds rapid development, field testing, demonstrations and market uptake of disruptive defence technologies.
- Targets SMEs and start-ups established and managed in the EU or associated countries, with limited inducement waivers.
- Allows up to 100% funding and simplified, accelerated award procedures, including milestone-style and lump-sum support.
- Takes effect
- It enters into force the day after publication in the Official Journal and establishes the programme for 2027.
Latest update
12 Jun 2026The most recent development in this bill's progress.
Trilogues (interinstitutional negotiations) → Trilogues (interinstitutional negotiations)
Trilogues (interinstitutional negotiations) → Trilogues (interinstitutional negotiations)
Documents
1 recentSourcesOEILEUR-LexEU Law Tracker