Key facts
- Two European Drone Technology hubs will be established in Latvia and the Netherlands in 2027.
- The hubs are part of the EU's DECODER project to bolster drone production capacity.
- Ukraine and Norway are involved in the DECODER project alongside the EU.
- An EU-Ukraine Defense Industry Pact is planned for signing by the end of 2026.
The European Union is set to establish two new drone technology hubs in 2027, leveraging Ukraine's experience in drone and counter-drone systems. Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis announced the initiative on October 30, stating that the hubs would be located in Latvia and the Netherlands. These hubs are part of the EU's DECODER project, which aims to enhance Europe's drone production capacity and includes Ukraine and Norway as partners. Dombrovskis highlighted that Ukraine's battlefield experience is crucial for accelerating innovation in European drone technology. Additionally, the EU plans to sign a Defense Industry Pact with Ukraine by the end of 2026 to facilitate joint ventures and technology integration.