The European Commission has endorsed the national defence plans of eight Member States, marking a milestone in Europe’s push to strengthen its security. The Commission submitted a proposal to the Council to approve financial assistance for Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Spain, Croatia, Cyprus, Portugal and Romania. President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “Last year, the EU has made more progress […]
Read More
Europol signs Working Arrangement with the Argentine Republic
In December, the Ministry of National Security of the Argentine Republic and the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) signed a Working Arrangement in order to support the Member States of the European Union and Argentina in preventing and combating serious and organised crime and terrorism. The Working Arrangement provides for a structured legal framework […]
Read More
Parliament gives green light to first European Defence Industry Programme
The rule approved on Tuesday 25 seeks to strengthen the EU’s defence industry, encourage joint procurement of European products, boost local manufacturing and increase support for Ukraine. The Regulation, already informally agreed with the Council, will establish the first ever European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP). It aims to strengthen Europe’s defence technological and industrial base […]
Read More
Commission moves towards ‘Military Schengen’ and transformation of defence industry
To make it easier for troops, equipment and military assets to move quickly and smoothly across Europe, the European Commission and the High Representative step up defence readiness, focusing on preparedness, with a military mobility package: new Regulation on military mobility and Joint Communication. The Commission also aims at boosting disruptive innovation in the military area […]
Read More
Commission hails deal on Defence Mini-Omnibus and potential Ukraine participation in EU Defence Fund
The European Commission welcomes the political agreement reached last November 5 between the European Parliament and the Council, which opens the possibility for Ukraine to be associated with the €7.3 billion European Defence Fund (EDF). This represents an important step forward in EU–Ukraine defence cooperation and in strengthening Europe’s collective security and industrial resilience. It […]
Read More
Commission and High Representative present new Defence Roadmap to strengthen European defence capabilities
Last Thursday 16th, the Commission and the High Representative have proposed to EU Member States the ‘Preserving Peace – Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030‘, a comprehensive plan to strengthen European defence capabilities. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “The recent threats have shown that Europe is at risk. We have to protect every citizen and square centimetre […]
Read MoreCouncil agrees position to incentivise defence-related investments in the EU budget
Member states’ representatives approved yesterday the Council’s position on a proposal aiming to incentivise defence-related investments in the EU budget to implement the so-called ReArm Europe plan, an EU initiative to increase defence spending and strengthen the EU’s military capabilities. With a view to facilitating faster, more flexible and coordinated investments in the European defence technological and industrial base (EDTIB), the […]
Read More
EU backs reinforced Europol role on migrant smuggling and trafficking
The European Commission welcomes the provisional political agreement reached today between the European Parliament and the Council to reinforce Europol’s role and inter-agency cooperation in the fight against migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings. This regulation was proposed by the Commission in November 2023. The fight against migrant smuggling is a Commission priority, as President von der […]
Read MoreEU backs measures to boost security and defence investments
As part of the ReArm Europe Plan, the measures aim to strengthen Europe’s defence technological and industrial base by channelling EU funding to defence and security. The legislation adopted in the Industry, Research and Energy committee will increase funding for defence-related investment by amending existing EU programmes – the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), Horizon Europe, […]
Read More