Paula Soler
Europe News
Defence sector intensifies lobbying efforts in the European Parliament
MEPs are coming under increasing pressure from lobbyists on defence-related issues, according to new figures collected by Transparency International. Over the past year, lobbyists from consultancy groups, trade associations and defence firms have organised 197 meetings in total.
Europe News
EU remains ‘highly vulnerable’ and dependent on US defence production
Imports of US weapons have surged, yet Europe's military capabilities remain insufficient, with notable gaps in tank numbers, air defence systems and R&D investment. According to a new report by Bruegel, the EU’s €800 billion rearmament plan may not be enough.
Europe News
After 17 years, EU anti-discrimination bill hits a dead end
Despite broad support from the member states, opposition from a few countries has blocked progress on the Equal Treatment directive, prompting the Commission to shift focus to non-legislative measures — a move criticised by NGOs and civil society groups.
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Europe News
Raising a unified European army: Myth or reality?
Some European leaders have recently renewed calls for the creation of a European army — an idea that has long stalled on the continent. But is it time to revive it? Not for now, and likely not in the longer term either, several EU officials told Euronews.
Europe News
EU mulls new defence funding mechanism to boost military readiness
Existing EU defence instruments lack the scale and incentives needed to close capability gaps and respond to growing security challenges as the US steps back from its traditional role in European defence, according to a policy paper by think tank Bruegel, set to be discussed this week in Warsaw.
Europe News
US will stay in NATO, but it must be 'stronger', Marco Rubio says
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reassured allies that Donald Trump is not anti-NATO and that the country will remain in the alliance, but he's also asking his counterparts to make sacrifices and raise defence spending to 5%.
Europe News
Brussels-Berlin: The rules on transparency and ethics for EU lawmakers
Recent scandals have put the spotlight on MEPs' transparency, even though they already follow a strict code of conduct, updated in 2023, to prevent conflicts of interest — what's in it, and how does it compare with the norm in other EU countries?
Europe News
Key labour market challenges unaddressed by post-pandemic funds
A new report by the European Court of Auditors (ECA) shows that labour market reforms under the EU's €650 billion post-pandemic recovery fund have had limited impact, with most countries failing to address key structural challenges.
Europe News
EU not ready for Eurobonds to boost defence spending, says Kubilius
The EU executive proposed in early March a five-point plan to rearm and reach defence readiness by 2030. In an exclusive interview, EU defence commissioner Andrius Kubilius told Euronews he expects member states to make use of options proposed in the plan instead of issuing more joint debt.
Europe News
Kubilius: EU needs €70 billion to strengthen military mobility
The bloc's infrastructure is not yet ready for the rapid mobility of military troops and equipment across the continent. An initial €70 billion is needed to urgently make it fit for purpose, the EU's Defence Commissioner told Euronews in an exclusive interview.
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