Brussels unveils its plan for defence ‘independence’ – in production only
With its roadmap for defence, the European Commission wants to boost European production of weapon systems but NATO will keep the operational reins. Read More
Jailed journalists, Serbian students and Palestinian aid workers shortlisted for the Sakharov Prize
The European Parliament has selected the finalists for its Freedom of Thought award. The winner will be announced next Wednesday in Strasbourg. Read More
Fact check: No, European Parliament didn’t silence Polish MEP for his views
A video circulating on social media has prompted questions over how European Parliament procedure works, and how long MEPs are allowed to speak when they interject. Read More
‘Hidden pandemic’: New report exposes child sexual abuse numbers in Europe
While EU lawmakers squabble over the ‘chat control bill’, child associations decry the five million children in Europe facing online and offline sexual abuse. Read More
European NATO allies pledge to buy more US weapons under PURL scheme for Ukraine
A further 10 allies have lined up to join NATO’s newly established PURL initiative, created to purchase in-demand weapons systems from the US, amid a shortage in supplies. Read More
Robert Fico vetoes again EU sanctions against Russia, asks for new concessions
Slovakia and Austria have emerged as the remaining obstacles blocking a deal on a new round of EU sanctions against Russia. Read More
EU plans functional ‘drone wall’ against Russia by end of 2027, leak shows
The Defence Readiness Roadmap sets clear targets for the rollout of key military capabilities, but fails to provide anything new regarding financing. Read More
EU rebukes Hungary’s FM for attending Moscow energy conference
On his 13th visit to Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Foreign Minister Szijjártó labelled the EU energy diversification plans as “crazy”. Read More
What are NATO’s national caveats and why do they hinder rapid response?
Mark Rutte, NATO’s secretary general, said earlier this week that these national caveats “are holding us back” and “making us less effective”. Read More
EU vows to protect Spain from Trump’s tariff ‘punishment’ over NATO spending
Donald Trump has threatened to unleash “trade punishment” on Spain in response to the country’s refusal to meet NATO’s 5% target. Read More