Defence policy
EU security must no longer depend on US, says Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday (27 August) called for Europe to stop relying on the United States for its military defence as he pushed for fresh EU integration in the face of rising nationalism around the continent.
German foreign minister brands Trump’s EU policy ‘irritating’
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas again took aim at US President Donald Trump's foreign policy in a speech on Monday, branding his policies towards Europe "irritating".
Britain urges US, Europe to ‘go further’ in countering Russia
New British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on Tuesday (21 August) will urge the United States and European countries to do more to call out Russia's "malign behavior" and keep Vladimir Putin in check, notably by implementing tough sanctions.
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.
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.
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.
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).
‘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".
EU takes step towards closer defence cooperation
The EU took a major step towards building closer defence ties on Monday (13 November), with 23 member states signing a landmark agreement, promoted by France and Germany, to fund and boost cooperation following Britain’s decision to leave the bloc.
EU to sign joint defence pact in show of post-Brexit unity
At least 20 members of the European Union will next week sign up to a new defence pact, heavily promoted by France and Germany, to fund and develop joint military hardware in a show of unity following Britain's decision to quit the bloc.
Borissov asks Juncker who are EU’s enemies, gets compliments instead
EURACTIV asked Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker what are the geopolitical risks for the upcoming Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU. Borissov said he had asked the same question to Juncker, but apparently obtained no answer.
#EUCO wrapup: EU summit agrees on ‘Leaders agenda’ despite Brexit
EU leaders wound up two-days of high-level talks in Brussels on Friday (20 October). Digital single market, migration, defence, but also Catalonia and Turkey, were discussed on Thursday. On Brexit, the leaders welcomed 'some progress' in the talks, but said it was not enough to move to phase two, postponing that assessment for December.