Browsing: EU defence

EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING

This morning, French start-up Maiaspace is advancing plans for Europe’s first reusable mini-launcher. This initiative aims to enhance European space autonomy amid longstanding competition with established players like SpaceX.

EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING

European leaders emphasised strength, equality, and responsibility this morning on International Women’s Day. Social media messages highlighted the ongoing importance of empowerment and the fight against oppression for women across the European Union.

EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING

Today, approximately 800 US-made missiles have been deployed in the Middle East over the last three days. The utilisation rate surpasses that of Ukrainian forces during the preceding four winter months.

EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING

European Commissioner Andrius Kubilius urged Poland to approve the EU’s SAFE defence loan scheme this morning, amid domestic political tensions. The programme aims to enhance defence readiness and secure vital funding for Polish industry.

EU MORNING UPDATE

Overnight, the European Union addresses pressing economic challenges.
Key discussions focus on energy security and trade dynamics.

Finance ministers from eight European member states approved national defence investment plans worth €74 billion on February 17, 2026. A spokesperson for the Cypriot presidency stated this decision facilitates affordable loans under the EU’s Security Action for Europe scheme, which aims to enhance defence procurement.

The EU has been focused on NATO’s defence spending, with members agreeing to up spending to 5% of GDP (except Spain). European leaders are preparing to deal with Donald Trump again at the NATO summit, after several EU members called for retaliatory tariffs on the USA.

The war in the Middle East and Russia’s continued invasion of Ukraine have also made up a lot of this week’s European headlines. Kyiv has suffered another heavy bombing, and there have been reports that the EU is considering suspending its partnership with Israel over its genocide in Gaza.

The EU and Canada have strengthened their ties with a new partnership and talks of digital trade and deeper cooperation on AI. The EU-Canada summit comes just before NATO.

Good Morning! A lot is happening around the world today, March 5 2025, with politics taking centre stage. The ongoing row between Ukraine and the US dominates much of the global news cycle as the reaction to the fallout continues – and Europe looks for alternatives.