The European Defence Agency’s (EDA) Incubation Forum for Circular Economy in European Defence (IF CEED) held its 4th Annual General Conference from 20 to 22 May in Rome, placing a strong focus on the practical implementation and future direction of circular economy policies in the defence sector.
With support from the Italian Ministry of Defence, the conference spotlighted outcomes from the second phase of IF CEED. It laid the groundwork for further policy and operational integration of circularity within European defence. A broad spectrum of stakeholders – including representatives from Ministries of Defence, EU institutions, industry, and academia – discussed the strategic alignment of circular economy measures with defence priorities.
Circular actions for European defence readiness
Key policy milestones presented at the event, which was attended by participants from 23 countries, included the progress of the IOTA2 study, which explores the development of digital product passports for body armour, promoting traceability and lifecycle optimisation. Also unveiled was the IF CEED Knowledge Platform, aimed at facilitating the exchange of best practices and policy innovation across the defence sector.
The conference also heard that in April 2025 three new IF CEED “Starter Projects” were launched, targeting critical areas for sustainable transformation: military textiles, the secure supply and reuse of critical raw materials, and the integration of environmental management systems into defence operations. These initiatives are closely aligned with the White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030, which advocates technological and policy solutions to enhance military capability while reducing environmental impact.
Throughout the event, policy leaders underscored the dual strategic value of circularity. This both bolsters environmental responsibility and reinforces operational resilience and readiness. Initiatives that reduce dependency on raw materials, improve equipment longevity, and ensure cost-efficiency were highlighted as central to long-term defence planning.
Cost-saving, long-lasting equipment
Notably, Maj. Gen. Paolo Sandri of the Italian Ministry of Defence, the European Commission’s Acting Director-General at DG ENV, Patrick Child, and Cillian Lohan of the European Economic and Social Committee, each reinforced the strategic imperative of embedding circular principles into defence frameworks at both national and EU levels.
“Europe is currently facing global scenarios marked by strategic instability, technological competition, supply chain volatility, and climate-related emergencies. In this context, the circular economy - often seen as a marginal or purely environmental issue - must be understood as having a central role to our collective security. It is an operational tool, an industrial approach, and a long-term political vision”, said Major General Paolo Sandri.
Industry also played a key role in reinforcing the policy narrative. Riccardo Angelini Rota of Leonardo emphasised the need for systemic changes to enable circular practices: “The circular transition represents a competitive advantage that contributes to the sustainable value creation, improving resilience.”
Concluding the conference, EDA’s Director of Industry, Synergies and Enablers, Sean White, reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to enabling Member States to embed circularity: “The European Defence Agency is uniquely positioned to support Member States across the entire capability development cycle and beyond.”
About IF CEED
Since October 2021, the European Defence Agency (EDA) has managed the Incubation Forum for Circular Economy in European Defence (IF CEED), a collaborative initiative applying EU Green Deal principles to the defence sector. Bringing together Ministries of Defence, industry, RTOs, financial institutions and academia, IF CEED fosters circular solutions that support both military capability and environmental goals. Now in its second phase (2023–2027), the Forum focuses on implementing and developing cross-border projects, promoting innovation and sustainable practices, and reducing the defence sector’s environmental footprint.
The Incubation Forum for Circular Economy in European Defence (IF CEED) is co-funded by the European Union (under the LIFE programme), the Italian Ministry of Defence and the Luxembourg’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs - Directorate of Defence.