What is the European Defence Agency and how does it function?

The European Defence Agency (EDA) is an agency of the European Union (EU) that aims to enhance the European Union's defense capabilities and promote defense cooperation among its member states. It was established in 2004 and is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.

The EDA functions as a platform for EU member states to collaborate on defense matters. Its main tasks include facilitating defense research and development, promoting defense industry cooperation, and supporting the development of defense capabilities among member states.

The agency operates through various mechanisms, such as capability development, research and technology, industry cooperation, and support to operations. It assists member states in identifying and prioritizing capability gaps, coordinating defense research projects, and fostering cooperation between defense industries.

The EDA also plays a role in supporting EU military operations and missions by providing expertise, coordinating defense planning, and facilitating the development of common defense capabilities.

Overall, the European Defence Agency functions as a central hub for defense cooperation among EU member states, aiming to strengthen the EU's defense capabilities and promote a more integrated and efficient European defense industry.