EN
E-000738/2021
Answer given by Mr Breton
on behalf of the European Commission (11.5.2021)
Under the new Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027, EUR 2.6 billion of the EUR 7.9 billion for the European Defence Fund (EDF) is reserved for funding of defence research projects. The EDF does not provide for a fixed allocation of budget per technological domain. The annual work programmes will provide topics and categories of actions to be supported by the Fund in a given year, including call topics that invite Research and Development (R&D) projects on Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled technologies or systems.
AI is a technological enabler for defence products and technologies, enabling faster information and decision-making, improved logistics, and increased operational efficiency. It can also enable solutions for better protection of soldiers when performing risky tasks. Developed defence products and technologies will be consistent with defence capability priorities agreed by Member States, through the Capability Development Plan. Actions for the development of lethal autonomous weapons without the possibility for meaningful human control over the selection and engagement decisions when carrying out strikes against humans are not eligible for funding under EDF.
R&D actions that receive EDF funding shall comply with international, Union and national law and ethical principles reflected therein, including on privacy, security and physical integrity of citizens. The EDF Regulation stipulates that the Commission will implement a procedure for ethical screening of proposals and assess proposals that raise possible ethical issues with the support of independent experts. Actions not ethically acceptable, will be rejected. The Commission will also monitor compliance with ethical aspects of the funded projects.