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. 24/06/2025
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. 20/06/2025
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? 17/06/2025
Europe News MEPs seek 70% ‘buy European’ ratio for EU defence cash Despite internal divisions and an attempted delay, MEPs have passed a report calling to reduce Europe’s reliance on non-EU suppliers, boost joint procurement, and strengthen the bloc’s defence capabilities. 24/04/2025
Europe News Raising a unified European army: Myth or reality? Some European leaders have recently renewed calls for the creation of a European army — an idea that has long stalled on the continent. But is it time to revive it? Not for now, and likely not in the longer term either, several EU officials told Euronews. 18/04/2025
Europe News Europe's defence sector bets on space amid growing geopolitical threat In recent years, defence companies have stepped up their involvement in space projects, prompting calls for more EU-level coordination and investment. 17/04/2025
Europe News EU mulls new defence funding mechanism to boost military readiness Existing EU defence instruments lack the scale and incentives needed to close capability gaps and respond to growing security challenges as the US steps back from its traditional role in European defence, according to a policy paper by think tank Bruegel, set to be discussed this week in Warsaw. 07/04/2025
Europe News Water and defence - but not bullets: EU reallocates regional funds The EU executive has invited member states to redirect regional spending - accounting for one-third of the EU budget - toward various strategic areas such as water resilience and affordable housing, including defence to a limited extent. 01/04/2025
No Comment Ukraine calls for European military support as diplomacy grows European leaders convened in Paris on Thursday to explore military and diplomatic strategies for bolstering Kyiv’s position in ceasefire talks with Russia amid escalating negotiations. 27/03/2025
Europe News EU not ready for Eurobonds to boost defence spending, says Kubilius The EU executive proposed in early March a five-point plan to rearm and reach defence readiness by 2030. In an exclusive interview, EU defence commissioner Andrius Kubilius told Euronews he expects member states to make use of options proposed in the plan instead of issuing more joint debt. 26/03/2025
Europe News Kubilius: EU needs €70 billion to strengthen military mobility The bloc's infrastructure is not yet ready for the rapid mobility of military troops and equipment across the continent. An initial €70 billion is needed to urgently make it fit for purpose, the EU's Defence Commissioner told Euronews in an exclusive interview. 25/03/2025
Europe News Brussels seeks to create single market for European defence Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wants to create a genuine single market for European defence products and services. How feasible is this idea and what would be the benefits for companies in the sector? 20/03/2025
Germany Why Germany, Italy and Japan still depend on US nuclear deterrence As the three countries prepare to spend billions beefing up their defence capabilities, they will continue to rely on the US for nuclear deterrence, experts tell Euronews. 18/03/2025
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. 11/03/2025
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. 05/03/2025
Europe News European air forces need reform to boost deterrence against Russia Air superiority is critical as a deterrent to potential Russian aggression - and European NATO air forces are likely to struggle to achieve this without reform towards mission specialisation, a new RUSI report said. 27/02/2025
Europe News ‘Skilled workers wanted’: The defence sector struggles to find talent The EU defence sector is increasingly struggling with finding workers with the skills needed to match the sector needs, industry representatives say – Why? What profiles are they looking for and what is the bloc doing to address the gaps? 26/02/2025
Europe News Rapid mobility of troops still 'problematic', say EU auditors The EU's military mobility budget funded 95 projects in 21 member states, but it remains relatively modest compared to the real needs, Tony Murphy, president of the ECA, told reporters on Wednesday. 05/02/2025
Europe News Kallas: EU must spend more than 1% of GDP to 'prepare for the worst' In 2024, member states collectively spent an average of 1.9% of GDP on defence, while Russia was spending 9%, Kaja Kallas told the audience of the European Defence Agency annual conference on Monday. 22/01/2025
Europe News Neutral Switzerland to join EU military mobility project Switzerland will become a member of the EU's initiative to facilitate the mobilization of military forces and equipment, already including third countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Norway and Canada. 14/01/2025