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- Ursula von der Leyen Advocates EU Military Cooperation at Munich Conference
- European Commissioner Dubravka Šuica to Attend US Board of Peace Meeting This Week
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A Black Lives Matters protest in London regarding Chris Kaba.
Looks like the white, middle class organisers forget to invite any black people.
In the wake of death of UK political prisoner, Peter Lynch, who was fast tracked into prison for essentially shouting in the street.
The grandfather was ultimately sentenced to death.
Pakistani family who attacked police at Manchester Airport, STILL haven't even been charged.
Tiny ‘Black Lives Matter’ crowd gathers outside the Old Bailey courtrooms to protest the not guilty verdict of the police officer who shot violent criminal Chris Kaba.
Kaba rammed his car repeatedly into armed police officers’ cars.
BLM is finished in the UK.
UK public borrowing exceeds official forecast in September
Government borrowing overshot official projections in September, which is a sign of the difficult fiscal position that the Chancellor faces as she puts the finishing touches on her first tax and spending budget.
February 17, 2026
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TL:DR – Ursula von der Leyen Advocates EU Military Cooperation at Munich Conference
• NATO chief Mark Rutte stated Europe cannot defend itself without the US, on 16 February 2026.
• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen responded at the Munich Security Conference, advocating for an independent Europe.
• Von der Leyen highlighted Article 42.7, which obliges EU members to assist if one is attacked, as a potential strength compared to NATO’s Article 5.
• Article 42.7 has only been invoked once, after the 2015 Paris attacks, indicating operational limitations for EU military support.
• Eastern European nations prefer NATO for security assurances over EU initiatives.
• The EU faces challenges in establishing a fully independent military capability amidst nuclear uncertainties from the US.
Watch the video: EU’s defence clause – yes, it does exist, and now everyone talks about it
European Commission President Addresses Defence Concerns at Munich Security Conference
On 16 February 2026, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen responded to NATO chief Mark Rutte’s comments on European defence during the Munich Security Conference. Rutte had stated that Europe should “keep dreaming” if it believes it can defend itself without the United States, highlighting the urgency of the current security situation.
Von der Leyen’s remarks underscored the need for an independent European defence strategy. She asserted, “An independent Europe just means let’s develop our strengths without constantly leaning on someone else,” indicating a push for enhanced military capabilities within the European Union.
Emphasis on Article 42.7 and Its Implications
A specific focus of von der Leyen’s plan is Article 42.7 of the EU treaty, which obligates member states to assist any country that is attacked. This provision is seen as having potentially stronger language compared to NATO’s Article 5, as it does not require a unanimous vote for activation.
However, the EU’s lack of a unified command structure poses challenges. Each member state has the discretion to determine how to respond, which does not necessarily imply that military forces will be deployed. Article 42.7 has only been activated once since its inception, after the 2015 Paris attacks.
Concerns Over NATO and European Security
The general sentiment among Eastern European nations remains that NATO is the more viable security solution, reflecting a significant trust gap towards the EU’s military capacities. The urgency is exacerbated by Washington‘s expectations for Europe to assume greater responsibility for its conventional defence, amid growing uncertainty surrounding NATO’s future.
Additionally, the EU must consider the implications of the US potentially retracting its nuclear deterrent from Europe. Establishing an independent European nuclear defence system would involve substantial financial and temporal investments. Thus, the EU faces the dual challenge of upholding its treaty commitments while enhancing its military capabilities.
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February 17, 2026
5:00 am
February 17, 2026
3:00 am
TL:DR – European Commissioner Dubravka Šuica to Attend US Board of Peace Meeting This Week
• European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, will visit Washington this week for the first formal gathering of the Board of Peace, according to Euronews.
• Šuica’s participation will focus on Gaza, reflecting the EU’s commitment to ceasefire support and reconstruction efforts.
• EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is coordinating EU government engagements with the Board of Peace.
• Italy, Romania, Greece, and Cyprus accepted invitations to participate as observers in the Board.
• The EU has donated €1.65 billion in humanitarian aid since the conflict began on 7 October 2023.
Commissioner Šuica to represent EU at Trump’s Board of Peace meeting in Washington
The European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, is scheduled to travel to Washington later this week to attend the first formal gathering of US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace. This move indicates that Brussels is not fully dismissing cooperation with the board, despite widespread rejection from most EU member states regarding formal membership and legal concerns raised by the European Commission.
Šuica will participate specifically in the portion of the meeting that focuses on Gaza, as stated by a European Commission spokesperson. This participation aligns with the EU’s longstanding commitment to supporting a ceasefire and international efforts in the reconstruction and recovery of Gaza.
Commission’s Cautious Engagement with the Board
Another spokesperson from the European Commission clarified that Šuica’s participation does not equate to joining as an official sitting member. The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, is reportedly in contact with EU governments to coordinate their engagements with the Board.
Italy, Romania, Greece, and Cyprus have accepted invitations to participate as observers, while foreign affairs ministers will discuss the matter during their upcoming gathering in Brussels next week.
Concerns Over Board’s Mandate and Structure
The Board of Peace, inaugurated by Trump in Davos in January, was initially established to oversee Gaza’s post-war transition. However, its charter raises significant concerns, particularly regarding Trump serving as chairman indefinitely, with additional apprehension about the inclusion of Russian President Vladimir Putin amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine.
While only Hungary and Bulgaria have accepted invitations for formal membership, the move showcases how some EU member states aim to maintain a positive relationship with the Trump administration by setting aside legal concerns in pursuit of influence.
Upcoming Meetings and Representation
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has suggested that observer status presents a viable solution, following an invitation from Trump. Romania’s President Nicușor Dan has confirmed his travel to Washington for the discussions. The situation remains fluid, with representation for Italy yet to be determined.
With the EU being the largest humanitarian aid donor to the Palestinian territories since the recent outbreak of hostilities, the bloc is eager to ensure its role in Gaza’s reconstruction, despite apprehensions about the Board’s governance and overall scope.
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