Defence | Euronews

English Newsletters Events Podcasts Videos Africanews Search

Europe News

European Parliament sidelined from new 'rearm Europe’ plan

Some MEPs deplored the Commission's use of Article 122 of the Treaty to avoid a vote on the newly proposed €150 billion instrument for defence funding. Others are less concerned.

Business

Rheinmetall sees profit jump as Europe prepares for military splurge

Germany’s Rheinmetall announces a 38% jump in net profit in 2024 and predicts a sales boost as Europe increases military capacity.

Europe News

Macron's defence spending plan drives open political divisions

The French president warned of tough budget decisions ahead as the country struggles with a daunting public deficit.

Europe News

Could Europe conscript 300,000 troops to deter Russia without the US?

As armed forces across Europe remain stretched and defence budgets constrained, could European nations reinstate compulsory military service? NATO allies are considering conscription.

ADVERTISEMENT

Europe News

Rearming Europe is the EU's next folly, says Yanis Varoufakis

Economist, politician and the former Greek finance minister welcomed the easing of the German debt brake but believes that defence spending will not generate growth where it is needed.

Europe News

Six takeaways as Ursula von der Leyen marks 100 days in office

President Donald Trump's withdrawal of support for Ukraine has up-ended EU relations with the US in her first 100 days, and prompted pledges to ramp up defence spending.

Europe News

Germany's Merz in race over debt reform to raise defence spending

The CDU/CSU and SPD are proposing to create a special fund of €500bn for infrastructure and defence by reforming the country's "debt brake" provision.

Europe

Germany’s historic defence turnabout dominates EUCO discussions

With the US scaling back its support for Ukraine, strengthening EU defence has become a priority for EU countries. At Thursday’s EU summit, traditionally frugal Germany led calls to revise fiscal rules to allow for increased defence spending.

Markets

DAX hits new high as EU summit concludes defence spending increase

EU member states agreed on a statement to boost the bloc’s defence spending, backing Germany’s push to relax its fiscal rules. The DAX hit a new high and Germany’s government bond yields soared.

Markets

Germany’s ‘whatever it takes’ moment: Fiscal boost sparks market rally

Germany’s €500bn fiscal overhaul is redefining its economy, bypassing debt limits to boost infrastructure and defence. Markets are rallying, with defence stocks surging. Analysts call it a ‘game changer,’ signalling a new era for European growth.

Europe News

Dutch government recommends citizens get 72-hour emergency kits

Dutch Justice and Security Minister David van Weel said on Wednesday that citizens need to prepare to manage "without the central government" in case of a "real conflict."

Europe News

EU leaders' summit ends with Orbán vetoing conclusions on Ukraine

While all EU leaders backed conclusions on bolstering European defence, the Hungarian prime minister opted out of the statements on the bloc's ongoing support to Kyiv.

Europe

Glucksmann to European leaders: Forget Trump, choose joint borrowing

Ahead of the Extraordinary European Council meeting in Brussels, Glucksman urges EU leaders not to rely on the US anymore and to invest time and resources in common borrowing.

Economy

The trillion dollar question: How can Germany kickstart its economy

Friedrich Merz, Germany's soon-to-be chancellor, has announced a strategy to exempt defence spending from limits on government borrowing.

Europe News

How can the EU unlock up to €800bn for its ‘rearmament plan’?

The EU Commission has unveiled plans to borrow €150 billion to fund a major rearmament push. This joint borrowing proposal comes in the form of loans rather than grants—an idea largely rejected by so-called 'frugal' countries such as Germany and the Netherlands.

Europe News

EIB set to broaden defence investment scope later this month

The proposal, tabled by the bank's President Nadia Calviño, will be examined on 21 March.

USA

US commitment to NATO 'ironclad', says Trump’s ambassador nominee

Matt Whitaker emphasised that his role would be pushing member states to meet Trump’s demand for increased defence spending, now raised to 5% of GDP.

China

China to boost defence budget by 7.2% to challenge US in Asia

Beijing's increase in military spending reflects an overall slowdown in the economy but keeps pace with the fast-changing trend in defence spending across the world.

Europe News

Merz secures billion-euro deal for German military and infrastructure

A provision would exempt defence spending above 1% of GDP from debt brake rules, enabling Germany to increase military spending without limit.

Economy

Taxing the rich could help cover increased French defence spending

France is looking at ways to increase its defence budget after the US paused its military aid to Ukraine. The heavily indebted country is not excluding taxing the rich.