European Defence Agency (EDA) is entering its third decade with an expanded mandate and increased funding following a major Long-Term Review endorsed by EU defense ministers. Now overseeing around 200 projects worth €681 million, the EDA plays a key role in joint procurement efforts, including artillery supplies for Ukraine. Recent milestones include four major letters of intent, notably on building a continental air and missile defense system. EDA chief Jiří Šedivý highlighted joint purchasing as a path to savings and strategic autonomy. However, EU defense research investment still trails far behind U.S. and Chinese levels. Original news
Category: EU
EU Considers Joint Defense Fund to Reduce US Dependence by 2030
Reuters reports that EU finance ministers will discuss launching the European Defence Mechanism (EDM), a joint intergovernmental fund, during a meeting in Warsaw. The proposed fund would acquire and own defense equipment, charging EU members for usage while offering loans to support procurement. The EDM could also include non-EU members like the UK and Ukraine, aiming to reduce European reliance on US military support by 2030. A Bruegel think tank paper emphasized that this model could promote a unified European defense market without inflating national public debts. The initiative represents a major step toward EU defense integration amid growing geopolitical […]
Airbus Urges EU to Include UK Defense Firms in €150 Billion Military Fund
Airbus executives are calling on the European Union to ensure British defense companies are not excluded from the €150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative. Airbus Defense CEO Michael Schoellhorn stressed the importance of treating the UK as part of Europe in defense matters, possibly through a new security agreement. CEO Guillaume Faury highlighted the existing integration of UK firms within EU defense supply chains and emphasized the need for cooperation to strengthen Europe’s sovereign defense industry. Schoellhorn also stated that while current F-35 orders should be maintained, countries like Germany should rethink future purchases in favor of European […]
ESA Launches European Launcher Challenge to Boost Sovereign Rocket Development
The European Space Agency (ESA) has opened submissions for its European Launcher Challenge, aiming to increase the number of sovereign satellite launch providers across Europe. Companies have six weeks to submit proposals, with ESA spending the following six months evaluating them. Winning firms may receive up to €169 million ($183 million) each at the agency’s ministerial meeting in November. ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher emphasized support for smaller launchers, including microlaunchers and minilaunchers. The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen Europe’s independent access to space. Original news
EU Launches €150B SAFE Initiative to Boost Defense Autonomy
The European Union has introduced the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, a €150 billion ($163 billion) funding program aimed at strengthening strategic autonomy and reducing reliance on U.S. weapons. Part of the broader Readiness 2030 plan, SAFE will provide defense investment loans to EU member states, as well as Ukraine, EFTA, and EEA countries, but will exclude the U.S. and the UK. European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas highlighted concerns about operational independence, citing Lockheed Martin’s F-35 as an example. The EU also released a defense white paper outlining critical capability gaps and calling for greater coordination to bolster […]
EU to Launch Pan-European Defense Projects to Address Security Gaps
The European Commission plans to invite EU nations to identify their most critical defense needs as part of large-scale pan-European flagship projects, according to a draft white paper. The document, set for release next week, responds to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, emphasizing the need for Europe to strengthen its defense capabilities independently of U.S. support. It highlights capability gaps in air defense and cyber warfare, urging collaborative efforts to close these vulnerabilities. The draft also suggests deepening the European defense market to improve coordination and efficiency. This initiative marks a strategic shift toward self-reliance in European defense policy. Original news
Europe Expands Defense Ties With Turkey Amid Growing Military Cooperation
European nations are increasingly recognizing Turkey’s defense industry, as seen in Italy’s Leonardo partnering with Baykar and Spain considering Turkish Aerospace Industries’ Hurjet jet trainers. Baykar is ramping up production of its Akinci UAS, with a new version featuring Leonardo equipment that could attract European buyers. The joint venture between Leonardo and Baykar highlights deepening industrial cooperation between Turkey and Europe. These developments signal Europe’s growing interest in Turkish military technology, particularly in unmanned systems and advanced aircraft. The shift reflects Turkey’s strengthening role in Europe’s defense industry and export market. Original news
Italy Proposes €200 Billion Defense Investment Plan to EU Partners
Italy plans to introduce a guarantee scheme that could unlock up to €200 billion ($216.48 billion) in defense and aerospace investments. Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti will present the proposal at a March 10 EU finance ministers meeting in Brussels. The European Security and Industrial Innovation Initiative aims to leverage €17 billion in EU guarantees to stimulate investments over five years. The plan is designed to strengthen Europe’s defense industry while minimizing the financial impact on Italy’s public finances. If approved, the initiative would significantly boost European defense capabilities amid rising geopolitical tensions. Original news
EU Unveils €800 Billion Defense Plan Amid U.S. Uncertainty
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced an €800 billion ($841 billion) “REARM Europe” initiative to bolster EU defense capabilities amid concerns over potential U.S. disengagement. The proposal will be presented to 27 EU leaders during an emergency meeting in Brussels on Thursday, following President Donald Trump’s remarks on U.S. support for Europe and Ukraine. Von der Leyen stressed the need to ease fiscal constraints so member states can increase defense spending, with an average 1.5% of GDP increase expected to generate €650 billion ($683 billion) over four years. The initiative underscores Europe’s push for greater military self-reliance […]
EU Pushes for UK Nuclear Umbrella Amid Fears of U.S. Security Shift
EU governments are urging Britain to extend its nuclear deterrence to Europe, fearing a reduced U.S. security commitment under Donald Trump. Friedrich Merz, expected to become Germany’s next chancellor, is negotiating a €200 billion emergency defense fund with the Social Democrats. A European diplomat stressed that Britain and France must lead European security discussions, as they are the continent’s only nuclear powers. Polish Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski echoed the sentiment, stating that Europe’s defense is unimaginable without the UK. The push reflects growing European efforts to strengthen defense capabilities amid global uncertainty. Original news
NATO Conducts Major Combat Drills in Romania Amid U.S. Policy Uncertainty
NATO continued its largest combat exercises of 2025, Steadfast Dart, in Romania on Wednesday, as concerns grow over the U.S. stance under President Donald Trump. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s push for increased military spending from allies has raised doubts about U.S. security commitments in Europe. The drills involve 10,000 personnel from nine nations, including Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece, under NATO’s new Allied Reaction Force. Romania has taken a prominent role in the alliance, donating a Patriot missile system to Ukraine and opening an F-16 training hub for allied pilots. Adm. Stuart B. Munsch stressed NATO’s adaptation to modern threats, while […]
European Defense Start-Ups See 24% Surge in Investment Amid Rising Security Concerns
Investment in European defense and security start-ups jumped 24% in 2024 to $5.2 billion, outpacing AI venture capital growth on the continent over the past two years. A report by the NATO Innovation Fund and Dealroom highlighted growing investor confidence in companies like defense AI firm Helsing and drone maker Tekever, despite a broader downturn in European VC funding. Germany overtook the UK as the leading destination for defense tech investment, with Munich attracting nearly $1 billion in funding last year. The NATO fund, launched in 2022 with €1 billion, aims to bridge Europe’s funding gap in defense innovation, as […]
EU kick starts new secure satellite constellation
The European Commission has awarded contracts for the €10.6 billion IRIS² satellite constellation, a project designed to provide secure, encrypted communications for EU governments and develop new commercial services. Comprising over 280 satellites, IRIS² marks Europe’s third major space initiative after Galileo and Copernicus, addressing concerns about Elon Musk’s Starlink network and Europe’s “digital sovereignty.” The first launch is planned for mid-2029, with full deployment expected by 2030. Led by a consortium of Eutelsat, Hispasat, and SES, the project will include Airbus and Thales Alenia Space as suppliers after their withdrawal from full membership due to economic risks. Partially EU-funded […]
EU Nears Agreement On €1.5 Billion Defense Fund.
European Union member states are nearing agreement on a €1.5 billion defense fund to strengthen the bloc’s defense industry and support Ukraine over three years. The European Defence Investment Program (EDIP) is expected to be finalized by year-end, enabling military purchases with up to 35% of components from outside the EU. This approach balances the goal of bolstering Europe’s defense sector with the urgent need for ready-made equipment for Ukraine. The EU is also identifying flagship projects of common interest, such as air and missile defense, to benefit from EDIP funding. This initiative reflects the EU’s dual focus on immediate […]
EU fund common defence procurement for the first time
In November 2024, the European Union allocated €300 million ($315.3 million) to fund five defense projects under the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement Act (EDIRPA). These projects include the Mistral and IRIS-T air defense systems, the Finnish-led Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS), and 155mm ammunition procurement. The initiative aims to strengthen regional defense industries, expand manufacturing capacities, and provide long-term governmental support. Germany’s Vice Admiral Carsten Stawitzki welcomed the move as progress toward a “self-determined European security architecture.” This funding reflects the EU’s commitment to enhancing collective defense capabilities. Original news