DEFENCE BUDGETS
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March launch for EU SAFE defence lending, with early tranche planned
The European Union is preparing to make the first payments under its Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defence loans in March 2026, in what officials describe as an attempt to accelerate joint procurement and address shortages in key military capabilities.…
After the Paris Declaration: Can Europe Deploy Troops in Ukraine?
Europe’s discussion of a multinational military presence in Ukraine has intensified after a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris on 6 January produced a “Paris Declaration” on security guarantees for Ukraine. Issued by France, the declaration sketches…
Neutral, Rich, and Defenceless: Switzerland’s Strategic Failure
In the cloistered corridors of Switzerland’s defence circles, a blunt admission this weekend by the outgoing head of the armed forces should have echoed far beyond the country’s mountains and lakes. Lieutenant-General Thomas Süssli — a soldier accustomed to discretion…
Europe’s Quiet Defence Revolution: Why the EU’s Surging R&D Spending Marks a Turning Point
At first glance, the European Union’s latest figures on defence research and development (R&D) might seem like little more than another set of spreadsheets from Brussels. Yet the reality behind them tells a far more consequential story—one of a continent…
Rome Bets on Tanks and Hungary — But Can Europe Trust Its Eastern Partner?
Rome’s plan to use EU “SAFE” loans for German-built tanks, in collaboration with Hungary, highlights both Italy’s ambition and the fragility of European defence, however Orbán’s Kremlin ties fuel scepticism. Italy’s striking proposal to channel European Union “SAFE” defence loans…
Hegseth urges NATO allies to fund more U.S. arms for Ukraine as Kyiv courts Tomahawk maker
The United States on Wednesday pressed NATO partners to finance additional American weaponry for Ukraine, signalling a harder-edged posture towards Moscow as senior Ukrainian officials held talks with U.S. defence manufacturers, including the producer of Tomahawk cruise missiles. Speaking in…
Spain in Trump’s Crosshairs as NATO Tensions Flare Over 5% Military Target
U.S. President Donald Trump is suggesting that NATO should consider expelling Spain from the alliance due to its refusal to meet the newly agreed defence spending targets. This proposal has sparked a significant debate about the future of NATO, burden-sharing…
Alona Lebedieva: Delays in implementing reforms could undermine Ukraine’s financial stability
Ukraine is preparing to enter 2026 with a record state budget deficit and a critical dependence on external financial assistance. The draft has been prepared under the same priorities as the current budget — concentrating resources on defence and…
Trump withholds Taiwan security aid as White House pursues talks with Beijing
President Donald Trump declined to approve a US$400 million–plus military aid package for Taiwan over the summer, as his administration seeks a trade agreement and a possible autumn summit with China’s leader, Xi Jinping, according to multiple reports. The move…
Poland’s Sikorski questions value of “security guarantees” for Ukraine, urges focus on funding and arms
Poland’s foreign minister, Radosław Sikorski, has questioned the usefulness of proposed “security guarantees” for Ukraine, arguing that such pledges would lack credibility without states willing to fight Russia if deterrence failed. Speaking at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) annual meeting…