The Commission announced plans to grant a total EU funding of almost €1.2 billion supporting 61 collaborative defence research and development projects selected following the first ever calls for proposals under the European Defence Fund (EDF). With the proposals selected for funding, the EDF will support high-end defence capability projects such as the next generation of fighter aircrafts, tanks […]
EU to reinforce the European defence industry through common procurement with a €500 million instrument
The Commission has adopted a proposal for a Regulation by the European Parliament and the Council establishing the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through common Procurement Act (EDIRPA) for 2022-2024. As announced in the Joint communication on the Defence Investment Gaps in May, the Commission is delivering on its commitment to set up a Short-Term EU Instrument reinforcing […]
Defence and security of the European Union
In today’s world, security issues require ever-increasing attention. The Czech Presidency is fully aware of this and intends to take decisive steps to improve the resilience of the European Union in the areas of conventional capabilities and new domains. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has highlighted the importance of building the resilience and defence capabilities […]
EU launches the Support Hub for Internal Security and Border Management in Moldova
Yesterday, in the margins of the informal Home Affairs Council Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson and the Moldovan Minister of Internal Affairs, Ana Revenco launched the EU Support Hub for Internal Security and Border Management in Moldova. As an operational platform, the EU Support Hub will support cooperation on internal security and border management between […]
First European Defence Innovation Day Calls for More Investment and Cooperation
“We must invest more in defence and make up for years of budget cuts and underinvestment. The message is clear: we need to reduce fragmentation and invest more together, starting now”, said High Representative/Head of the European Defence Agency, Josep Borrell, during the first European Defence Innovation Day – organised by the European Defence Agency […]
European Defence Fund: €1 billion to boost the EU’s defence capabilities
The Commission has announced the adoption of the second annual work programme of the European Defence Fund (EDF). The EDF 2022 work programme will allocate up to a total of €924 million in funding. One week after the Joint Communication on Defence investment gaps, the Commission unlocks new funding to invest together and better in strategic defence capabilities. Additionally, the […]
Main results of the Foreign Affairs Council – 17 May 2022
Current affairs The High Representative updated the Council about the situation in Mali. In light of the lack of guarantees by the Transition authorities on non-interference by Russian mercenaries with the Malian Armed Forces trained by the EU Training Mission, and the increasing pattern of collusion and allegations of grave human rights abuses, the Council decided […]
Main results of the Foreign Affairs Council – 16 May 2022
Western Balkans During a working lunch EU Foreign Affairs Ministers were joined by their counterparts from the six Western Balkans partners, and discussed the future of the region on its path to the European Union. The Council welcomed the choice of those partners who aligned fully with the EU’s foreign policy and sanctions, and expressed its […]
Eurobarometer: Europeans approve EU’s response to the war in Ukraine
A Flash Eurobarometer survey in all EU Member States published today shows large consensus among EU citizens in favour of the EU’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The majority of Europeans think that since the war started, the EU has shown solidarity (79%) and has been united (63%) and fast (58%) in its reaction. […]