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 […]
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 […]
European Peace Facility: Council adopts assistance measures in support of the armed forces of Jordan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Chad
On November 24th, the Council adopted a set of decisions establishing three assistance measures under the European Peace Facility (EPF) in support of Jordan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Chad. Jordan The Council adopted the third bilateral assistance measure under the EPF worth €35 million to strengthen defence capacities and capabilities of the Jordanian Armed Forces. This measure […]
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 […]
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 […]
EU Leaders move forward on Ukraine, defence and competitiveness during European Council summit
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 […]