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.
Europe News
What to know about Iran’s missiles and Israel’s air defence system
Since the conflict began on Friday, Iran has launched around 370 ballistic missiles at Israel, according to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). But what kinds of projectiles are being used—and how robust is Israel’s air defence system against potential waves of retaliatory attacks from Tehran?
Europe News
India and Cyprus to boost defence and maritime cooperation, Modi says
Indian PM Narendra Modi and the president of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides also announced plans for joint naval operations, a terrorism information-sharing mechanism and support for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.