Many of the technologies that will shape Europe’s competitiveness, from artificial intelligence to quantum and space, can serve both civilian and defence purposes. The European Commission is rethinking how EU research and innovation supports these dual-use technologies, moving away from a strict separation between civil and defence research.
What are dual-use technologies?
Dual-use technologies are technologies that can be used for both civilian and defence or security applications. A drone can inspect a wind farm or monitor a border; an AI model can support medical diagnosis or analyse threats. Typical examples include:
How EU policy has developed
- Jan 2024White Paper on dual-use R&DAs part of the package on advancing European economic security, the Commission set out options for enhancing support for research and development involving dual-use technologies. A public consultation followed and closed in April 2024.
- 2024Strategic reportsThe Niinistö report on preparedness, the Draghi report on competitiveness and the Letta report on the single market all pointed to closer links between civil and defence innovation.
- Mar 2025Defence Readiness 2030 and Preparedness UnionThe Joint White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030 named the European Innovation Council and the planned Scaleup Europe Fund as investors in dual-use companies. The Preparedness Union Strategy called for “dual-use by design”.
- Apr 2025ProtectEUThe internal security strategy stressed that innovation should flow in both directions between civilian and security research.
- Jul 2025Proposal for the next research programmePresenting its proposal for the next Framework Programme, the Commission said the programme would be open to dual use, ending the long-standing rule that EU research funding focuses on civilian applications.
Today’s rules still apply. Under Horizon Europe (Regulation (EU) 2021/695), research and innovation activities focus exclusively on civilian applications. Opening the next programme to dual use is a Commission proposal that the European Parliament and the Council are still negotiating.
What the Commission is proposing
Expert advice
The Commission’s Expert Group on the Economic and Societal Impact of Research and Innovation (ESIR) has published a policy brief on rethinking dual use and a technical report on unlocking the potential of dual-use research and innovation. In February 2026 the group’s mandate was renewed for 2026–2027.
What it means for researchers and companies
- New funding opportunities may open for projects with both civilian and security applications, watch the calls on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
- Intellectual property and ownership of results become more sensitive, for example where security interests limit licensing or transfer to third countries.
- Export controls apply to listed dual-use items under Regulation (EU) 2021/821, including technology transfers and some research results.
- Research security and checks on foreign partners are gaining weight, in line with the EU’s economic security agenda.
- AI systems developed for civilian use remain subject to the AI Act, while systems used exclusively for military or defence purposes fall outside its scope.
See also our overview of EU industrial research and innovation.
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