EU DEFENCE
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Trump Administration Halts Planned US Brigade Deployment to Poland Amid Wider European Troop Cuts
The cancelled rotation of more than 4,000 US troops has raised questions over Washington’s military posture in Europe and the future of deterrence on NATO’s eastern flank. The United States has halted the planned deployment of more than 4,000 troops…
Italy Faces Decision on EU Defence Loans as SAFE Deadline Approaches
Italy is under pressure to decide whether to draw on the EU’s Security Action for Europe loan instrument, with Rome eligible for around €14.9bn as Brussels seeks to accelerate joint defence procurement and industrial readiness. Italy is approaching a decision…
Latvia’s Prime Minister Resigns After Coalition Breaks Over Drone Incidents
Evika Siliņa’s resignation brings down Latvia’s government months before parliamentary elections, following a coalition dispute over the handling of Ukrainian drone incidents and the dismissal of the defence minister. Latvia’s Prime Minister Evika Siliņa has resigned, bringing down her centre-right…
EU Weighs Wider Naval Role as Strait of Hormuz Risk Rises
The EU’s foreign policy chief has said Operation ASPIDES could be extended towards the Strait of Hormuz through a change to its operational plan, as Europe assesses the risk to trade and energy routes in the Gulf. The European Union…
EU Defence Ministers Move to Strengthen European Defence Agency as Procurement Pressure Grows
EU defence ministers have agreed to reinforce the European Defence Agency, including through new structures for innovation, experimentation and collaborative procurement, as member states face pressure to turn higher defence spending into usable military capability. EU defence ministers have agreed…
NATO Eastern Flank Summit Puts Ukraine and Regional Deterrence Back on the Agenda
Leaders from NATO’s eastern flank met in Bucharest on 13 May, alongside Nordic partners, Ukraine and the NATO Secretary General, as the Alliance prepares for its July summit in Ankara and faces continued pressure from Russia’s war against Ukraine. Leaders…
Greece Says Sea Drone Found off Lefkada Was Ukrainian-Made
Athens says an explosives-laden unmanned surface vessel recovered near Lefkada was of Ukrainian origin, raising concern over the possible extension of Black Sea naval drone operations into the Mediterranean. Greek authorities have said they are “certain” that an explosives-laden sea…
EU Defence Ministers Meet in Brussels as Ukraine Support, Middle East Risks and Readiness Dominate Agenda
EU defence ministers are meeting in Brussels today for talks focused on military support for Ukraine, European defence readiness and the security implications of the continuing crisis in the Middle East. The Foreign Affairs Council in defence format is being…
Rheinmetall and Deutsche Telekom Plan 5G-Enabled Anti-Drone Shield
German defence and telecommunications groups will combine drone detection, secure communications, cybersecurity and 5G data analysis to protect cities and critical infrastructure from unmanned aerial systems and sabotage threats. German defence group Rheinmetall and Deutsche Telekom have agreed to develop…
Ukraine weighs expert support for Baltic air security after drones crash in Latvia
Ukraine is considering sending security experts to help Baltic states strengthen airspace protection after two drones entered Latvia from Russian territory and crashed near an oil storage site, adding to concerns over the spillover risks of long-range drone warfare on…