President Ursula von der Leyen participated last October 23 in a summit of the European Council that focused on the EU’s support for Ukraine, Europe’s defence readiness for 2030, and on how to boost the continent’s economy while upholding the EU’s climate goals. The President presented the initiatives that the Commission has been working on over […]
EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific: Council approves conclusions
On Monday 20th, the Council approved conclusions on the implementation of the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific stressing that the EU should further intensify its strategic focus, presence, visibility and actions in the Indo-Pacific with the aim of contributing to our joint stability, security, prosperity and sustainable development, underpinned by the promotion of democracy, […]
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 […]
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 […]
EU 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, […]
Citizens call for greater protection from the European Union
The latest Eurobarometer survey by the European Parliament highlights citizens’ high expectations of the EU and the EU budget beyond 2027. Against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, most Europeans (68%) believe that the EU should play a greater role in protecting citizens from global crises and security risks. Ninety per cent of respondents want Member […]
Deal on more funding to boost skills development and address new challenges
Parliament and Council negotiators have reached a provisional agreement on changes to the European Social Fund+ to boost skills in the defence and decarbonisation industries. The co-legislators agreed to support EU-countries using ESF+ funding for skills development in the defence sector and decarbonising industries. Regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine will also receive additional support, […]
EU addressing military mobility challenges
To improve the movement of military troops, equipment and assets across the European Union and beyond, the European Commission and the EU’s High Representative, have started discussions with stakeholders to develop a Military Mobility Package. This package will address existing infrastructure bottlenecks, procedural obstacles, and capability gaps. It forms part of broader efforts to strengthen […]
Commission clears creation of defence joint venture by BAES, JAIEC, and Leonardo
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed creation of a joint venture (‘JV‘) between BAE Systems (Holdings) Limited (‘BAES‘), Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd. (‘JAIEC‘), and Leonardo S.p.A. (‘Leonardo‘). This JV will be the prime contractor and lead systems integrator for the Global Combat Air Programme. The Commission’s investigation The […]