About: security and defence
CDU party chief wants Germany to reach 2% NATO spending target
The leader of German Christian Democrats, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer (AKK), stated on Wednesday (12 June) that German military expenditures would have to be raised to NATO's 2% spending target, while former Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel proposed splitting Germany's military spending into two funds. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Germany’s cyber defence strategy discussed behind closed doors
Germany is currently preparing a new cyber defence strategy. An internal concept paper of the German government foresees the use of so-called hack-backs and changes to the German Basic Law. But the change is happening and the general public is being excluded from the discussions, experts criticise. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Volt: Parliamentarians need to be directly electable
Founded in 2017 by three politically inexperienced students, the Volt movement has been listed as a party in 14 member states. EURACTIV spoke to its co-founder, Damian Boeslager, about the European army and the principle of unanimity, among other things. EURACTIV Germany reports.
NATO assessing Huawei security risk, Stoltenberg says
NATO is aware of the potential "security implications" of Chinese 5G infrastructure and is currently conducting an assessment of associated risks, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday (14 March).
Fault-lines surface in Arctic as region turns into geopolitical hotspot
As the ice melts, a new ocean with new trade routes and untapped natural resources opens up in Europe’s High North, leaving the Arctic region caught between cooperation and militarization.
Demands for ‘more Europe in NATO’ as leaders gather for Munich Security Conference
Demands for a stronger EU and foreign policy, more commitments to NATO and concerns over Russia’s assertiveness were the leitmotifs as the 55th Munich Security Conference kicked off on Friday (15 February).
Avoid politicising Arctic issues, expert warns
The Arctic has so far been largely conflict-free. If this ever changes, it will probably be the result of a spillover from other parts of the world, Arctic expert Svein Rottem told EURACTIV.com in an interview, in which he spoke about Arctic governance and the EU’s role in the region.
Implementation key for regaining trust, Finland’s PM tells EU lawmakers
Democratic forces of Europe will win back the trust of the people by making decisions and by implementing them, at home and here in Brussels, Finland’s Juha Sipilä on Thursday (31 January) told EU lawmakers in Brussels.
2019 LOOKAHEAD: Europe’s security and defence coming of age
For the European defence efforts, getting rid of the UK's torturous approach toward a common defence policy presented an opportunity the governments and European institutions eagerly seized this year. But there is little time to rejoice.
European Defence Fund could be breaching European treaties, legal opinion says
The European Defence Fund (EDF) moved closer to becoming reality this week in Strasbourg when MEPs gave it the green light. However, some uncertainties persist as a legal expert opinion obtained by EURACTIV suggests that establishing the fund could be violating EU law.
EU ‘extremely worried’ about fate of nuclear treaty
The EU's top diplomat Federica Mogherini said Tuesday (20 November) she was "extremely worried" about the fate of a major US-Russia nuclear missile control treaty, warning that the security of Europe could be at risk.
Polish expert: Article 7 is now a political matter, not a legal one
Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans should keep away from the strained rule of law dialogue between Brussels and Warsaw, as long as he is running for a seat in the new Commission, says expert Sławomir Dębski. He spoke to EURACTIV.com about Poland's place in Europe, its relations with neighbours and security.
NATO sees new cyber command centre by 2023 as Europe readies for cyber threats
A new NATO military command centre able to deter and launch cyber-attacks should be fully staffed and operational in 2023, but the alliance still lacks ground rules for doing so, a senior general announced at NATO’s annual cyber conference in Mons, Belgium on Tuesday (16 October).
With Brexit looming, Germany and Britain ramp up defence cooperation
Britain signed a military cooperation agreement with Germany on Friday (5 October), emphasising London's commitment to helping shield Europe from future security threats at a time when negotiations over its own exit from the EU are reaching a crunch time.
US would destroy banned Russian warheads if necessary: NATO envoy
Russia must halt its covert development of a banned cruise missile system or the United States will seek to destroy it before it becomes operational, Washington's envoy to NATO on Tuesday (2 October) told reporters in Brussels.
Stoltenberg on Macedonia: NATO’s door is open, but…
Macedonia can only join NATO if it implements the name deal with Greece, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters on Tuesday (2 October), putting fresh pressure on Skopje to ratify the agreement despite protests from opposition parties.
Battle rages over EU defence pact
A diplomatic tussle has broken over the European Union's flagship defence cooperation pact, amid warnings that the bloc could cut itself off from major allies like the US and post-Brexit Britain.
Belgium and Germany take over Baltic Air Policing
From September, German and Belgian military aircraft will take over responsibility for patrolling Baltic skies as part of NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission, at a time of growing concerns over security in Eastern Europe.
Munich Security Conference chief: ‘Germany only wants to do things without getting wet’
The head of the Munich Security Conference, Wolfgang Ischinger, spoke to EURACTIV Germany’s media partner “Der Tagesspiegel” about US President Donald Trump, the German free-rider mentality and Europe's lack of pride and self-respect.
Mogherini’s Asia trip set to deepen EU security role
During a roundtrip of Asia this week, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini will seek support to preserve the Iran nuclear deal, as well as exploring security cooperation in order to expand engagement and up the EU's role in global security, writes Fraser Cameron.
MEPs give green light for EU military research fund ahead of NATO summit
Ahead of the NATO July summit in Brussels next week, MEPs in Strasbourg on Tuesday (July 3) endorsed the creation of a €500 million program aimed at boosting innovation in the European defence industry.
Europe aims for greater ‘strategic autonomy’ from US on defence
EU leaders pledged in Brussels on Thursday to intensify efforts to strengthen military cooperation within the bloc and reduce its reliance on the United States, amid growing doubts over the continued US involvement in transatlantic security.
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.