Defence policy
Major risks apprehended over Trump’s Brussels, Helsinki visits
With a NATO summit in Brussels on 11-12 July and a tête-à-tête with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, this week will give Donald Trump a chance to elaborate on that surprising diplomatic doctrine, but only at the risk of further fueling tensions with the country's already deeply unsettled allies.
LIVE: Migration, eurozone test EU unity at fateful June Summit
EU leaders are meeting on 28-29 June to bash out a solution to the divisive issue of migration, which should help Chancellor Angela Merkel preserve her fragile government, and lay the groundwork for a scaled-down package of eurozone reforms wanted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Tackling hybrid threats, in Europe and the UK
The June European Council is an opportunity to make sure we have the right measures in place to tackle hostile state threats to security such as cyber attacks, disinformation and meddling in elections, writes Mark Sedwill.
Nine European countries to formalise EU defence force plan
Nine EU nations will on Monday (25 June) formalise a plan to create a European military intervention force, a French minister said, with Britain backing the measure as a way to maintain strong defence ties with the bloc after Brexit.
The EU has to broaden its alliances to shape the new world order
Enough tears have been shed, egos and emotions shaken and obituaries written about the transatlantic relationship. It is time to move on. So wipe the tears, stop the whining and turn over a new page. The US has embarked on a new journey, and the EU should do the same, writes Shada Islam.
Germany’s Maas unveils vision for post-Atlantic Europe
Germany's foreign minister called for the European Union to become a more self-confident global actor, prepared to take counter-measures when the United States crosses "red lines" and able to respond to Russian threats and Chinese growth.
Merkel open to EU migration reform, cautious on eurozone
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Sunday (10 June) she was more open to French President Emmanuel Macron's plans to reform migration and defence policy in Europe than his hopes to bolster the euro.
Poland poses as EU-US mediator in Iran nuclear standoff
While the EU seems to have agreed on a united stance in the Iran nuclear dispute with the US, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has highlighted the cracks and put his country forward as an informal mediator. EURACTIV Poland reports.
EU should talk to Arab Gulf States as well to try and salvage Iran deal
Trump's decision to to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal has left Europe partially paralysed. However, Europe can still exert significant leverage if it brings the rest of the Gulf into the discussion about a broad regional security process, writes Dr. Christian Koch.
Europeans push last bid to salvage Iran deal, but work on plan B
European powers still want to hand Donald Trump next week a plan to save the Iran nuclear deal, but they have also started work on protecting EU-Iranian business ties if the US president makes good on a threat to withdraw.
EU defence gets €20 billion budget boost
The EU on Wednesday (2 May) announced plans to spend nearly 20 billion euros on defence over its next long-term budget, as the bloc seeks to boost its resilience to the perceived threat from Russia.
Germany, France agree main needs of new joint fighter programme
Germany and France have agreed on the central requirements for a new fighter jet to replace Eurofighter Typhoon and Rafale warplanes beginning in 2040, German military sources said.
EU welcomes North Korean move on nuclear tests, urges denuclearisation
The European Union's foreign affairs chief said on Saturday (21 April) that North Korea's announcement to stop nuclear tests was a positive step and called for an "irreversible denuclearisation" of the Asian country.
German air defence unit put under Dutch control as military ties deepen
The German military on Wednesday (4 April) put a short-range air defence unit with about 450 soldiers under Dutch command, further deepening ties between the two NATO allies.
Baltic states to ask Trump for greater protection from Russia
Baltic state leaders will ask the United States to send more troops and bolster air defences on NATO’s eastern flank to deter Russia when they meet President Donald Trump on Tuesday (3 April), officials said. Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite, Estonian...
European arms exports on the rise
France, Germany and Spain are among the world’s leading arms exporters. EURACTIV’s partner Euroefe reports.
US tells NATO allies spending plans still falling short
US President Donald Trump's defence secretary told European allies on Wednesday to step up efforts to increase military budgets and warned that troop contributions to missions did not exempt them from broader spending goals, officials said.
France to spend €37 billion euros on upgrading nuclear arsenal
France is planning a €37-billion revamp of its nuclear arsenal over the next seven years, part of a sharp increase in defence spending aimed at allowing France to "hold its own" as a key power in Europe, the country's defence chief said yesterday (8 February).
Pakistan’s counter-terrorism needs to be aligned with EU
If the EU wishes to defend human rights, and comply with its own counter-terrorism pledges, Pakistan’s incoherent counter-terrorism strategies should be at the top of every joint commission and negotiation, writes Charles Tannock.
Peace expert: EU’s soft power is most effecive when it is least used
Despite winning the Nobel Peace Prize five years ago, the EU is no longer "a great actor of peace". It should not rush into creating its own army unless the US decides to pull back its troops, Dan Smith told EURACTIV.com in an interview on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
More space for more Europe
2018 will be a crucial year to shape a stimulating new narrative for EU space policy. Jean-Loic Galle lists a couple of key points ahead of the 10th EU space policy conference taking place in Brussels on 23 and 24 January.
‘Bad news for enemies’: EU leaders officially launch defence pact
Flanked by soldiers in combat dress, European leaders inaugurated on Thursday (14 December) a landmark defence cooperation pact that EU Council President Donald Tusk said was "bad news for our enemies".
NATO visionaries: Artificial intelligence has huge potential for future military capacity
The GLOBSEC NATO Adaptation Initiative, led by retired General John R. Allen, presented on Monday (27 November) its final report on the future of the Alliance. In a wide-ranging interview, EURACTIV.com spoke to General Allen and Ambassador Alexander Vershbow, former Deputy Secretary-General of NATO.