PESCO, a historic moment in European defence, says Mogherini
On Monday 13th November 23 Member states (all except U.K., Ireland, Denmark, Malta and Portugal) approved and signed up to the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO).
France hikes defence spending, inches towards Nato goal
An increase of 1,8 billion euros. The French National Assembly approved in first reading an increase of 1,8 billion euros in defence spending in 2018. Every year until 2022 the defence budget will increase of 1,7 billion euros in order to reach the 2% NATO
Cooperation with Turkey on missile defense systems – a way to reassure NATO allies ?
On Wednesday 8th November, Turkey signed a letter of intent with France and Italy to strengthen cooperation on joint defence projects including air and missile defence systems.
Focus on Claudio Graziano, new chairman of the EU Military Committee
The EU's Chiefs of Defense appointed Claudio Graziano as the new Chairman of the EU Military Committee, starting November 2018, for three years. He will replace the Greek General Mikhail Kostarakos.
Integration of the European Defence market
Is further integration of the European Defense market desirable or even possible? On 27 September, French President Emmanuel Macron outlined his vision for the future of the European Union in a speech at the Sorbonne University.
EU-UK defence cooperation could be difficult
Under the “lead-nation” rotation plan for the EU battlegroups, it will be Britain’s turn to provide the bulk of the troops from July 2019 – i.e. just a few months after it definitely leaves the bloc. While a defence cooperation agreement could be reached by