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Lithuania PM Ruginienė resigns after less than a year in office

Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė resigned on Tuesday together with her cabinet, ending a ten-month tenure. She is to return to government as social affairs minister in a new cabinet expected to be led by Mindaugas Sinkevičius — the third Social Democrat prime minister since the 2024 elections.

Business

Germany to take 40% stake in Leopard tank maker KNDS alongside France

Berlin is preparing to buy a 40% stake in KNDS, the Franco-German group behind the Leopard and Leclerc battle tanks, putting it alongside France as a state shareholder in one of Europe's most important defence firms.

Belgium

Hegseth slams NATO allies and announces review of US forces in Europe

Hegseth slammed Europe for prioritising what he called liberal ideals over practical defence needs as he lambasted the alliance’s defence chiefs in a rare appearance at the NATO HQ in Brussels.

Europe News

Germany and Poland sign defence deal as European power balance shifts

Poland’s importance as a logistics hub for Ukraine, alongside its growing economy and heavy defence investment, has made it a compelling partner for Germany and other core European countries.

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Europe News

Berlin reportedly prepping for Strait of Hormuz safeguarding mission

The German defence ministry has said naval units are already on standby for a possible deployment.

Europe News

Patriot, IRIS-T, Flamingo: Germany's long-range weapons gap

Global shortages of Patriot missiles are putting air defence systems under pressure. Germany's IRIS-T offers one answer, but Berlin still lacks the long-range firepower needed for deep strikes.

Business

European defence spending: Poland spends larger share of GDP than US

Defence spending across European NATO is at its highest since the Cold War, with countries closest to Russia spending the most. But the continent is splitting between front-line states racing towards 5% of GDP and a large group doing the bare minimum.

Europe News

Russia says yacht on 'dangerous approach' in Channel prompted shots

The incident comes two days after armed British forces boarded and detained a sanctioned tanker in the Channel that is suspected of being part of Russia’s shadow fleet.

Europe News

ILA 2026: Air power, drones and a search for new recruits

As ILA 2026's largest exhibitor, the Bundeswehr is impossible to miss. Colonel Kristof Conrath discusses new military capabilities, lessons from the war in Ukraine, the future of air power and the drive to recruit the next generation.

Europe News

Could drones target Germany's parliament? Minister warns

As drone-related security concerns rise across Europe, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt is calling for permanent protection of the Bundestag and other constitutional bodies while authorities expand the country's counter-drone capabilities.

Europe News

Inside the struggle to revamp Europe's defence financing tool

EU policymakers are weighing a SAFE II defence financing tool, with Eastern-flank states pushing for grants over loans. But the final SAFE I uptake, the development of the European defence industry, Ukraine's battlefield-driven tech edge and shifting warfare scenarios are shaping what comes next.

Europe News

US plans to slash fighter jets and warships to NATO in Europe

The reported cutbacks come as European nations race to bolster their defence capacities since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 sparked fears that Moscow could attack a NATO country.

Europe News

NATO to cut troop numbers in Kosovo amid 'improved security situation'

The cuts are to be carried out "gradually and in line with conditions on the ground," NATO said.

Europe News

UK armed forces minister resigns hours after defence secretary

Dan Jarvis, a former army officer and the Labour MP for Barnsley North, has since taken over as defence secretary.

Europe News

Trade and defence top of agenda at EU-South Korea summit

As security threats grow and geopolitics shift, the European Union and Republic of South Korea have celebrated a new Digital Trade Agreement at a summit in Brussels.

Business

German-led fighter jet consortium launches after FCAS collapse

An Airbus-led alliance of eight defence firms will launch Team Gen 6 in Berlin, a German-backed sixth-generation fighter jet project intended to replace the collapsed Franco-German-Spanish FCAS programme, AFP reports.

Europe News

EU strikes defence simplification deal as foreign threats mount

Facing Russian aggression and US retreat, the EU is planning to streamline permits, cut bureaucracy and make defence procurement and transfers across member states easier.

Europe Today

Newsletter: From K-pop to K2 tanks, South Korea flexes in Europe

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung visits the Belgian capital on Wednesday for a highly anticipated EU-South Korea Summit. Onlookers expect a buffet of East Asian strength on display, ranging from K-pop toppers to military might, and closer Brussels-Seoul relations.

Europe News

US’ €500bn defence retreat requires ‘big’ EU spend: Kubilius

As the Trump administration continues pulling back from Europe, Andrius Kubilius warned on Tuesday that Europe can only fill the resulting gap with cooperation and a "big spend".

Business

Airbus-led group proposes fighter jet alternative after FCAS collapse

The FCAS programme had been viewed as a flagship European defence project, aimed at strengthening military cooperation as Europe faces a more assertive Russia.