As Europe faces an unprecedented level of security threat, innovation in defence, security, and space technologies has become a strategic imperative. The EIB Group has stepped up its support to the security and defence industry in 2024, widening the scope of defence and security projects eligible for financing earlier this March. The European Investment Fund (EIF) […]
EU reinforces its support for Ukraine and reviews ties with Israel
The Foreign Affairs Council – under the chairmanship of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas – convened the EU defence ministers in the morning and the EU foreign ministers on 20 May. Russia’s war against Ukraine and EU support for Ukraine EU defence ministers discussed EU military support to […]
EU Rapid Deployment Capacity becomes operational
The EU’s Rapid Deployment Capacity (EU RDC) is now operational. This marks a significant step in the EU’s ability to act quickly and decisively whenever a crisis erupts. The EU RDC provides a robust, flexible and scalable military instrument of up to 5,000 troops that can be deployed in a swift manner, enabling […]
€910 million to boost European defence
The Commission is investing €910 million under the 2024 edition of the European Defence Fund (EDF) to create a strong and innovative defence industry in Europe. These investments aim to close key capability gaps—like force mobility and drone defence—through innovation and collaboration across European science and industry. Moreover, and for the first time, Ukrainian defence industries can […]
European citizens want the EU to protect them and to act as one
The European Parliament’s Winter 2025 Eurobarometer survey shows historic levels of approval for EU membership, linked to peace and security. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said: “Two thirds of Europeans want the EU to play a greater role in protecting them. This is a clear call to action, to which we will respond. Europe needs […]
Commission presents the White Paper for European Defence and the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030
On March 19th, the Commission and the High Representative presented a White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030. The Commission has also presented, as part of the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030, an ambitious defence package providing financial levers to EU Member States to drive an investment surge in defence capabilities. While the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness […]
Munich Security Conference 2025: President von der Leyen calls for a “more pragmatic, more focused, more determined Europe”
President Ursula von der Leyen attended the annual Munich Security Conference and gave a keynote speech in which she described a world with competing visions and a more transactional approach to global affairs. She stressed that Europe must change in order to thrive in this new reality. As the Commission’s actions have shown in the first weeks of its new mandate, the EU […]
What will the Commission do in 2025? Discover its work programme
The Commission has outlined plans to boost competitiveness, enhance security and strengthen economic resilience this year, with the announcement of its 2025 work programme. This is accompanied by a plan to reduce administrative burdens and simplify EU rules. Every year, the Commission sets out a list of actions it will take in the following year. This time around, the […]
1 billion EUR from the European Defence Fund for defence technologies
Yesterday, the Commission has adopted the fifth annual Work Programme under the European Defence Fund (EDF), allocating over €1 billion to defence collaborative research and development projects. With the 2025 EDF Work Programme, the Commission unlocks significant additional funding to support the development of critical defence technologies and capabilities. The Work Programme allocates around €100 […]