Challenges to national defence in contemporary geopolitical situation

The aim of this document is to outline the historical development, roles and responsibilities of the European Defence Agency (EDA), decision-making procedures and discuss its activities that could support the Lithuanian defence industry. The findings show that the Agency continues to play an important role in coordinating participating member states (pMS) and their defence industries, enabling projects, suggesting prioritization tools, and fostering initiatives that seek greater strategic autonomy of the EU. The successful accomplishments of EDA initiatives depend on the ‘national appetite’ of pMS. The results of the research suggest a limited Lithuanian interest in the various EU programs, supervised by the EDA, that could boost the developments of the indigenous defence industry and research related to defence.