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Europeans' Stories
Rail Baltica could be used for defensive military purposes
Construction on the 870-km-long Rail Baltica through Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia is gathering momentum, as the line switches from the Russian broad gauge to the European standard gauge. The EU is covering a large part of the costs.
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.
Netherlands
NATO agrees to 5% defence spending target ahead Hague summit
This week, allies are expected to commit to spending around 3.5 percent of GDP on "hard defence" that will include weapons and troops and an additional 1.5 percent on defence-related investments such as cybersecurity and military mobility.
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
EU divided over Israel's right to bomb Iran
Not all EU countries believe Israel’s attack on Iran is legal under international law, and the differences will be on display when ambassadors meet in Brussels on Thursday ahead of a summit of heads of state and government taking place next week.