Security
US offer first reaction to EU defence PESCO pact
The US government has told EU states that it and other non-EU NATO allies should play a key role in a European defence pact, diplomatic sources said yesterday (27 February).
How to get Europe back into the Middle East
The Foreign Affairs Council is right to focus on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process when it meets Arab leaders on Monday, but it’s on Iran that the EU is needed the most, writes Franco Frattini, the former Italian foreign minister.
Turkey says whoever helps Kurd militia in Syria is ‘legitimate target’
Turkey yesterday (21 February) said it would consider a "legitimate target" any group that comes to the aid of Kurdish militia in Afrin in northern Syria.
EU to lead funding demand for Sahel force
The European Commission is hoping to drum up further funds for a joint military force tasking with combating jihadist groups in the Sahel at a funding conference in Brussels on Friday (23 February).
Juncker warns against ‘mixed up’ Brexit talks as May requests defence treaty
Britain wants to agree a defence and security treaty with the EU before its leaves the bloc in March 2019, Prime Minister Theresa May told the Munich Security Conference on Saturday (17 February).
European defence: Old wine in new bottles?
Deeper defence cooperation within the EU via PESCO (permanent structured cooperation) was launched with great fanfare at the end of 2017. But only time will tell whether anything of substance will be achieved by PESCO, writes Nick Witney.
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.
Countering terror doesn’t need to cost the Earth
While the risks of terrorism should not be downplayed, the extensive nature of climate change risks should not be downplayed either. Often times, the impacts are less visible but more significant, argues Janani Vivekananda.
US defence chief to press Europeans on military spending
US Secretary of Defence Jim Mattis will press European allies on Wednesday (14 February) to stick to a promise to increase military budgets as the United States offers an increase in its own defence spending in Europe.
EU warns Turkey over Cyprus ship incident
The European Union on Monday (13 February) called on Turkey to avoid threats and "refrain from any actions that might damage good neighbourly" ties after Cyprus accused the Turkish military of obstructing a ship exploring for gas.
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).
Spain sounds alarm over fighter influx from Sahel
Spain is worried about security on its southern border due to the possible influx of Islamist fighters to West Africa's Sahel region, Spain's foreign minister told AFP in an interview yesterday (8 February).
German coalition agreement: No breakthrough for Europe yet
After a week of talks, German coalition negotiators agreed on the cornerstones of their new programme. But when a new government could actively participate in meaningful EU reform is still uncertain. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Let’s end our pygmy politics so we can have a proper EU foreign policy
The next "foreign minister" at the head of the EEAS, must be a heavy-hitter with the authority and courage to rally EU governments behind a recognisable foreign policy on global challenges, writes Giles Merritt.
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.
Finns, worried by Russia, hand president huge election win
Finland's President Sauli Niinisto cruised to a rare first round election win on Sunday (28 January) after a campaign in which his delicate balancing of ties with neighbour Russia and the US-led NATO military alliance resonated with voters.
Croatia’s media freedom in jeopardy as delegation returns for second visit
The issue of media freedom in Croatia has earned the EU's newest member the dubious honour of being visited twice in as many years by a team of press freedom organisation representatives. Upon return, they said the situation has improved but serious concerns remain.
Lithuania president: Europe is back but migration, security challenges remain
Europe is back - its economy is growing and political stability is improving, Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė told EURACTIV.com. But Europe now needs to work to preserve its set of shared values and resolve the major challenges of migration and security, she warned
MEPs bare teeth in debate over Russian propaganda
Moscow’s influence within EU member states worries MEPs. While the main political groups condemn the interference of the Kremlin, Eurosceptics have no qualms about defending Vladimir Putin. EURACTIV France reports.
International concern grows over Turkey’s military incursion in Syria
Turkey yesterday (22 January) intensified its offensive against Kurdish militia targets in Syria as President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan vowed there would be no stepping back in a campaign that has stoked concern among Ankara's allies and neighbours.
Guterres highlights cooperation potential of Central Asia with Afghanistan
UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted on Friday (21 January) the potential of the five countries of Central Asia for addressing the threats of violent extremism and transnational organised crime in Afghanistan. For its part, Kazakhstan has suggested building an economic and security partnership with Afghanistan.
Kazakhstan likely to host future Ukraine talks
One of the major highlights of Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarayev's visit to the US was an exchange of remarks with Donald Trump that suggested the Minsk talks on Ukraine may be moved to the Kazakh capital, Astana.
May, Macron seek common ground to offset Brexit fallout
Prime Minister Theresa May and her French counterpart Emmanuel Macron agreed a new border security deal yesterday (18 January), through which the UK will pay more to France to stop migrants trying to reach British shores.