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Drones, Patriots and cash for Ukraine

Good morning. It’s Mared Gwyn delivering your Tuesday newsletter from Brussels. We start today by crossing over to quaint County Wicklow on Ireland’s east coast – an unusual backdrop for talks on the security and defence threats spilling beyond Europe’s eastern flank.

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Poland launches terrorism investigation after blaze at drone factory

"As a result of the fire, warehouse facilities were destroyed, and the value of the damage caused amounts to at least 15 million PLN," Polish prosecutors said in a statement.

Europe News

EU expected to lobby members to give Patriot interceptors to Ukraine

Ukraine is running out of Patriot interceptors to shoot down Russian missiles and other airborne threats. The EU executive is expected to put pressure on Mediterranean nations, like Greece and Spain, to give theirs up at a defence meeting on Tuesday.

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Israel signs €3bn arms export deal with Greece, defence ministry says

In a statement, the Greek Defence Ministry said the multi-billion euro purchase was part of "the greatest reform of its armed forces in its history."

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Macron in Sweden to sign frigate deal and strengthen partnership

French President Emmanuel Macron is expected in Stockholm on Monday to finalise a multi-billion euro deal with his Swedish counterpart for four French frigates.

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US defence firm plans medium-range missile production near Leipzig

Covenant is a relatively new player in the arms industry. The company was founded in 2024 and is also active in Israel.

Europe News

German troops in Lithuania: tanks, drones and deterrence

Eurofighters, Leopard tanks, drones and helicopters – Euronews reports from military exercises in Lithuania. On NATO's eastern flank, German troops prepare for a real-life emergency as we join tank crews and electronic warfare units near Belarus.

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Switzerland eyes drone battalion by 2028, defence ministry says

Switzerland's long-standing position has been one of well-armed neutrality and the European country has mandatory conscription for men.

EU.XL

Which EU countries invest more in maritime defence and why?

Europe's naval rearmament is rising. Which countries drive the maritime defence boom and why the map may be misleading.

Europe News

Poland to get four Airbus refuelling aircraft by 2030

Poland and Spain plan to jointly buy at least seven Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft for air refuelling and strategic transport, with four due in Poland by 2030 under the SAFE programme.

EU.XL

EU pours billions into maritime defence as threats to its seas persist

From undersea cables to warships, the EU is spending record sums to defend its waters. Watch the video.

Europe News

Exclusive: France wants to limit Ukraine's non-European procurement

France seeks time limits on Ukraine's derogations for non-EU defence purchases under €90bn loan, in push for European — and French — producers. Kyiv benefits from exemptions for Chinese and US parts.

EU.XL

EU sea defence: the new race to protect cables, pipelines and trade

Is the deep blue sea the next frontier for defence? Global economies are increasingly dependent on vulnerable subsea data and energy pipelines. So, the EU and its members are shifting budgets towards maritime defence tools.

Europe News

EU approves €6.1 billion for Ukraine’s defences

As Ukraine continues to sustain brutal Russian bombardment, the European Union has approved €6.1 billion for the war-torn country’s defences as part of the bloc’s €90 billion loan programme.

EU.XL

Can the EU fight underwater threats? Ask the Euronews AI chatbot

Underwater sabotage and threats are challenging Europe's security. In June, the Commission proposed €325 billion for five defence projects, including one on maritime and seabed surveillance. But what is the EU’s strategy to ramp up maritme defence? Ask the Euronews AI chatbot.

Europe News

Ukraine eyes anti-ballistic systems with EU’s €90 billion loan

Officials in Kyiv have floated the idea of using the next parcel of funds from the European Union’s €90 billion loan to purchase anti-ballistic missile capabilities, an official close to the discussions told Euronews. Questions loom over where they could come from.

Europe News

Europe's military buildup runs into a recruitment crunch

The European Commissioner for Defence, Andrius Kubilius, says Europe needs to be able to rapidly deploy around 100,000 troops to deter a potential Russian attack. Experts warn about the problems meeting this target.

Europe News

Frontline regions seek EU tourism funding as war fears deter visitors

Seven frontline European Union nations want the bloc’s next long-term budget to help their hotels, businesses and operators weather the fallout from Europe’s security crisis — and their proximity to it.

Europe News

Switzerland eyes boosting air defence budget by over $1 billion

Parliament, which has yet to approve the additional funding, still also needs to vote on a significant requested VAT increase through 2040 to finance the army's defence spending priorities.

Europe News

Why a decades-old spy tactic has been thrust into Europe’s limelight

The European Union sanctioned two fishing companies in 2025 for allegedly participating in Russia’s surveillance and sabotage apparatus. Experts warn more of these ships are wading in Europe’s waters.