EU DEFENCE
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America Pulls Back: Troop Cut Signals Strain in US–Germany Ties
In the careful choreography of transatlantic diplomacy, symbolism matters. Yet in recent days, substance has cut through the ceremony with unmistakable force. Washington’s decision to reduce its troop presence in Germany by 5,000 personnel has not only rattled Berlin but…
EU Defence Ministers to Discuss Ukraine Support, Readiness and Middle East Security
EU defence ministers will meet on 12 May to discuss military support for Ukraine, European defence readiness and the impact of the Middle East crisis on EU security. EU defence ministers are due to meet in Brussels on 12 May…
EU and Ukraine Move BraveTech into Testing Phase for Battlefield Technologies
The European Defence Agency will lead the next phase of the EU-Ukraine defence innovation initiative, under a €35 million agreement focused on testing emerging technologies against operational scenarios drawn from the war in Ukraine. The European Defence Agency and the…
France’s Bid to Anchor a New European Security Order Faces Test of Scale, Industry and Politics
As confidence in Washington’s long-term role in NATO weakens, Paris is seeking to place France at the centre of Europe’s defence adaptation. But nuclear status and strategic ambition do not by themselves provide the troops, industry, logistics and political continuity…
Trump signals possible cut to US troops in Germany amid dispute with Berlin
US President Donald Trump has said Washington is reviewing a possible reduction of American forces stationed in Germany, in a move that would test alliance planning at a time of renewed tension between the White House and Chancellor Friedrich Merz…
EU to release €6bn for Ukrainian-made drones in second quarter
The European Union will release around €6 billion for Ukrainian-made drones in the second quarter of 2026, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said, confirming that the first defence package from a wider €90 billion EU loan will…
Bucharest Backs Europe’s Defence Ambitions with €8.3bn Boost
Romania has taken a step towards strengthening both its own security and that of Europe as a whole, after lawmakers in Bucharest approved €8.33 billion worth of EU-funded defence contracts. The move, passed with commendable urgency, clears the final political…
Lithuania charges 13 over alleged Russian-linked assassination and sabotage network
Lithuanian authorities have charged 13 people over alleged attempted murders in Vilnius linked to Russia’s military intelligence service, in a case that points to the continuing use of sabotage, intimidation and proxy networks against Ukraine’s supporters inside Europe. Lithuania has…
NATO northern-flank exercise tests UK-Norway maritime co-operation
Exercise Tamber Shield has begun in western Norway, bringing together Royal Navy helicopters, uncrewed systems, patrol boats and Norwegian naval units for intensive training in fjord and coastal operations. British and Norwegian naval forces have begun a maritime exercise in…
European defence spending jumps as governments respond to prolonged insecurity
Newly published data show global military expenditure reached $2.887 trillion in 2025, with Europe recording a 14 per cent rise as NATO members, Russia and Ukraine continued to expand defence budgets. Global military expenditure rose again in 2025, with Europe…