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EU.XL

The EU backs its defence innovators with €115 million under AGILE

The European Commission has proposed a €115 million pilot fund to fast-track defence technology from European start-ups, cutting the time from application to grant to just four months. Watch the video.

Europe in Motion

Space defence: How is the EU boosting its military space capabilities?

Europe is officially levelling up its orbital armour, yet while major defence upgrades are planned by 2030, the road to total independence from global superpowers remains costly.

Germany

What will Germany's new military service act actually change

Under the new law, German men aged 17 to 45 must obtain authorisation for extended stays abroad. The obligation is not new, but critics say it should have been communicated more clearly.

EU.XL

Can AGILE boost the EU’s defence readiness? Ask the Euronews chatbot

The EU’s new AGILE programme mobilises €115 million for AI, drones, robotics, quantum, and cybersecurity. The goal is to reduce the bloc’s dependence on external partners. Ask the Euronews AI chatbot how AGILE can ramp up European defence innovation.

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World News

World's largest frigate: when will Germany's super warship arrive?

Germany does not have an aircraft carrier, but is planning the largest frigate in the world - the F126. It is due to set sail in 2029 and will be suitable for submarine hunting or drone operations, depending on the mission. But there are problems with the vessel. When will the super ship arrive?

USA

Trump says US can open Strait of Hormuz with 'a little more time'

Lying between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, the Strait of Hormuz is one of the most strategic and vital corridors for the transport of energy and has been effectively closed by Iran since the start of the war.

Sweden

Sweden announces €800mn investment in anti-drone defence systems

The investment would cover multiple systems, such as radar and anti-aircraft weapons systems as well as electronic warfare platforms.

Switzerland

Switzerland eyes dropping purchase of US Patriot air defence system

Switzerland, which is not in NATO, had ordered five Patriot systems in 2022, with delivery scheduled to begin this year and to be completed in 2028.

Germany

How one young German is helping to reshape European security

Léocadie Reimers represents a generation rethinking security, combining her experiences from military service with her work in private sector defence.

Spain

Spain closes its airspace to all US aircraft involved in Iran war

The ban comes amid strained relations between Madrid and Washington following US President Donald Trump's threat earlier this month to cut off all trade with Spain over its refusal to allow the bases to be used for Iran operations.

Switzerland

Army chief warns of major gaps in Switzerland's air defence

Benedikt Roos, the new chief of Switzerland's armed forces, said on Thursday he was not "optimistic" about his country's aerial defence capabilities, adding that significant investment is needed to boost security.

Germany

Germany could help secure Hormuz, but once war ends — defence minister

The Bundeswehr could take on a role in securing one of the world's most important trade routes after the end of the war, "but now is not the time to discuss that," the German defence minister said.

The Ring

The War in Iran – What should Europe do?

Don't miss this week's episode of The Ring, tonight at 20.30 CET. MEPs Riho Terras (EPP) and Özlem Demirel (The Left) go head-to-head in a fiery debate over what the EU should do in this crisis.

Tech News

Portuguese army tests 'attack drones' in exercise with NATO countries

The Strong Impact 2026 exercise is taking place in Portugal, at the Santa Margarida Military Camp. The Portuguese army has collaborated with the UAVision company to modernise its weaponry and is once again testing the so-called 'suicide drones'.

Tech News

'An attempt to cripple Anthropic': US judge questions Anthropic ban

“He's [President Trump] trying to teach the AI industry to fall into line like everybody else," Computer scientist Ben Goertzel tells Euronews.

Euronews Tech Talks

Space systems: Prepared or at risk? |Euronews Tech Talks Podcast

There’s momentum in Europe toward space defence. But are European space systems advanced enough to counter cyber threats?

Iraq

Spain temporarily moves special forces from Iraq over security fears

Spain temporarily relocated its special forces from Iraq — deployed to combat the IS extremist group — due to deteriorating security, but defence officials say all personnel remain safe.

Poland

Poland’s Tusk defies president’s veto over €43.7bn EU defence loan

A power struggle erupted in Poland as Premier Donald Tusk insisted Friday he would access €43.7 billion in EU defence funds, defying President Karol Nawrocki’s veto over what he said was a decision going against Poland's sovereignty.

Europe News

Polish president vetoes law unlocking €44bn in EU defence loans

The bill would have allowed Warsaw to access funds from the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme.

Business

Rheinmetall expects 45% growth and defence pivot yet shares still fall

German arms maker Rheinmetall posted surging profits and forecast rapid growth for 2026 — but investors do not seem impressed, sending shares lower.