A top EU official calls for a new defense industry strategy with locally made arms at its heart
1 year, 1 month ago

A top EU official calls for a new defense industry strategy with locally made arms at its heart

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — A top European Union official called on Wednesday for a new defense industry strategy to respond to security challenges posed by Russia’s war on Ukraine with the purchase of weapons and ammunition made in Europe at its heart. “It is about our ability but also about our willingness to defend our interests and values ourselves.” Laying out her vision of the new strategy to members of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, Von der Leyen said: “At the heart of this must be a simple principle: Europe must spend more, spend better, spend European.” The war in Ukraine spurred European nations to hike defense spending, and a lot of money is destined for the U.S. defense industry. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell — who is also a vice-president of von der Leyen’s commission — said earlier this month that such a person could only really focus on Europe’s defense industry, saying: “Defense alone would be against the treaties” that the EU is based on. Von der Leyen said the commission will make proposals for the new defense industry strategy in coming weeks.

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History of this topic

EU presses on with steel ‘porcupine strategy’ for Ukraine as Russia tries to end Western support
1 week, 2 days ago

EU presses on with steel ‘porcupine strategy’ for Ukraine as Russia tries to end Western support

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — Russian President Vladimir Putin’s key peace demand that Western allies stop providing military aid and intelligence to Ukraine is quietly being ignored by the European Union. As U.S.-led talks with Russia and Ukraine progress, without the Europeans at the table, the 27-nation bloc is pressing ahead with a steel “porcupine strategy” aimed at building the Ukrainian armed forces, …

The EU wants to break its security dependency on the US and buy more European weapons
1 week, 3 days ago

The EU wants to break its security dependency on the US and buy more European weapons

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — The European Union on Wednesday announced a new drive to break its security dependency on the United States, with a focus on buying more defense equipment in Europe. AP AUDIO: The EU wants to break its security dependency on the US and buy more European weapons AP correspondent Charles de Ledesma reports the EU is announcing a new …

‘Europe must get its act together’: Netherlands warns of post-Ukraine security threats
1 week, 4 days ago

‘Europe must get its act together’: Netherlands warns of post-Ukraine security threats

Firstpost  

Ruben Brekelmans said that steps must be taken to stop the Russian aggression but they should not be “rewarding to Russia” because a scenario like that would cause more hostility that would not only affect Ukraine but also the rest of Europe Ahead of the much-anticipated Putin-Trump talks on the Ukraine war, the Netherlands has warned Europe to get “its …

Europe’s reliance on US weapons has risen, SIPRI says
2 weeks, 5 days ago

Europe’s reliance on US weapons has risen, SIPRI says

Al Jazeera  

But markets believe the continent is about to experience a boost in domestic production as Russia’s threat looms. Europe’s imports of weapons made by the United States have skyrocketed in the past five years, raising serious questions about whether the continent can achieve its vaunted goal of defence autonomy. Europe’s ability to build its own weapons will materially affect how …

What is the new 'ReArm Europe' plan? Can EU’s military fill the void left by the US for Ukraine?
3 weeks, 2 days ago

What is the new 'ReArm Europe' plan? Can EU’s military fill the void left by the US for Ukraine?

Firstpost  

The ‘ReArm Europe’ plan, introduced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, seeks to mobilise €800 billion for defence over four years. The initiative comes as the US halts military aid to Ukraine Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, France's President Emmanuel Macron, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz, European Commission President Ursula …

What is the new 'ReArm Europe' plan? Can EU’s military fill the void left by the US for Ukraine?
3 weeks, 2 days ago

What is the new 'ReArm Europe' plan? Can EU’s military fill the void left by the US for Ukraine?

Firstpost  

The ‘ReArm Europe’ plan, introduced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, seeks to mobilise €800 billion for defence over four years. The initiative comes as the US halts military aid to Ukraine Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, France's President Emmanuel Macron, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz, European Commission President Ursula …

EU chief unveils €800-billion plan to ‘rearm’ Europe
3 weeks, 3 days ago

EU chief unveils €800-billion plan to ‘rearm’ Europe

The Hindu  

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday presented a plan to mobilise some €800 billion for Europe's defence — and help provide "immediate" military support for Ukraine after Washington suspended aid. "'ReArm Europe' could mobilise close to €800 billion of defence expenditures for a safe and resilient Europe," Ms. von der Leyen told reporters. "We are talking about pan-European …

Europe considers a major defense spending package as Trump signals disengagement
3 weeks, 4 days ago

Europe considers a major defense spending package as Trump signals disengagement

NPR  

Europe considers a major defense spending package as Trump signals disengagement toggle caption Virginia Mayo/AP BERLIN — The head of the European Union's executive branch proposed an $840 billion plan to quickly build up defense budgets in Europe, as President Trump pauses military aid to Ukraine and signals his administration could pull back from a long-standing U.S. commitment to protect …

European defense stocks hit record high after Trump and Zelensky’s disastrous meeting
3 weeks, 5 days ago

European defense stocks hit record high after Trump and Zelensky’s disastrous meeting

CNN  

London CNN — The stocks of European defense companies soared Monday as investors anticipate massive increases in military spending by governments in the region amid its growing rift with the United States. The STOXX Europe Total Market Aerospace & Defense index had surged almost 7.9% by early afternoon local time, which put it on course for its biggest one-day jump …

‘2025, year of weapons’: Europe looks to buy freedom, security by spending on arms and ammunition
2 months, 2 weeks ago

‘2025, year of weapons’: Europe looks to buy freedom, security by spending on arms and ammunition

Firstpost  

Germany, the UK, France, Poland, and Italy are looking to enhance defence production by cutting regulations and streamlining processes, according to a report Top defence officials from Germany, the UK, France, Poland, and Italy in a meeting in Poland on Monday said that the future of Europe’s democracies relies on increasing military spending. Last week, Trump urged Nato allies to …

The frightening maths of Europe’s military black hole
4 months ago

The frightening maths of Europe’s military black hole

Live Mint  

ON NOVEMBER 23rd Mark Rutte, the new head of NATO, and Donald Trump, America’s president-elect, were photographed together grinning delightedly and shaking hands in Palm Beach, Florida. For all Mr Trump’s antagonism towards NATO, his nominees for secretary of state—Marco Rubio—and national security adviser—Mike Walt z—understand the value of the alliance, says Sir Lawrence Freedman, a British military strategist. The …

European countries are spending more on defense, a think tank says
4 months, 3 weeks ago

European countries are spending more on defense, a think tank says

Associated Press  

PRAGUE — European nations boosted their defenses in response to the annexation of the Crimea Peninsula in 2014 and Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, a London-based think tank said Friday, but much remains to be done for them to be ready to face threats from Russia. “NATO has not just significantly increased its ambitions regarding its deterrence and …

The EU buys too much defense equipment abroad, especially from the US, a major report says
6 months, 2 weeks ago

The EU buys too much defense equipment abroad, especially from the US, a major report says

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — European Union countries are buying too much of their defense equipment abroad, almost two thirds of it in the United States, and failing to invest enough in joint military projects, a landmark report on EU competitiveness warned on Monday. The 27 member states are also failing to make best use of Europe’s research and development capacities to modernize …

Russia warns EU chief’s plans for new defence union signal confrontation
8 months, 1 week ago

Russia warns EU chief’s plans for new defence union signal confrontation

Al Jazeera  

Russia has warned that the European Union is growing more militarised and confrontational as the bloc’s president outlined plans for a new defence union. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who was elected to a second term in office on Thursday, said she hoped to launch a European Defence Union to deal with cross-border threats over the next five …

Threatened by Russia, will the EU do enough to fund defence?
11 months, 1 week ago

Threatened by Russia, will the EU do enough to fund defence?

New Indian Express  

BRUSSELS: As Russian forces push back outgunned Ukrainian troops and conflict rocks the Middle East, calls are growing from panicked EU leaders for Europe to finally get serious about funding its own defence. "It is time for the European awakening on defence and security," EU chief Ursula von der Leyen told an industry summit in Brussels this week. Days after …

EU to boost defence industry in a bid to move away from US dependency
1 year ago

EU to boost defence industry in a bid to move away from US dependency

The Hindu  

The European Union on March 5 outlined ambitious plans to boost its defence industry as it responds to the threat posed by Russia’s war on Ukraine and seeks to wean member nations off an over-dependence on the U.S. defence industry. Strategic independence In the first 16 months since the February 2022 start of the Ukraine war, “member states spent more …

EU plans to boost defense industry and move away from US dependency in the face of Russian threats
1 year ago

EU plans to boost defense industry and move away from US dependency in the face of Russian threats

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The European Union on Tuesday …

EU plans to boost defense industry and move away from US dependency in the face of Russian threats
1 year ago

EU plans to boost defense industry and move away from US dependency in the face of Russian threats

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — The European Union on Tuesday outlined ambitious plans to boost its defense industry as it responds to the threat posed by Russia’s war on Ukraine and seeks to wean member nations off an over-dependence on the U.S. defense industry. In the first 16 months since the February 2022 start of the Ukraine war, “member states spent more than …

EU to boost defense industry, move away from U.S. dependency in the face of Russian threats
1 year ago

EU to boost defense industry, move away from U.S. dependency in the face of Russian threats

LA Times  

The European Union on Tuesday outlined ambitious plans to boost its defense industry as it responds to the threat posed by Russia’s war on Ukraine and seeks to wean member nations off an over-dependence on the U.S. defense industry. In the first 16 months since the February 2022 start of the Ukraine war, “member states spent more than on defense …

A top EU official calls for a new defense industry strategy with locally made arms at its heart
1 year, 1 month ago

A top EU official calls for a new defense industry strategy with locally made arms at its heart

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A top European Union official …

Europe requires decade to fully arm itself, warns head of defence firm
1 year, 1 month ago

Europe requires decade to fully arm itself, warns head of defence firm

Firstpost  

Armin Papperger, the head of Germany’s largest defence company, Rheinmetall, disclosed to the BBC that Europe would need approximately 10 years to attain complete readiness in defense. Papperger stressed the urgency of bolstering Europe’s defense capabilities, noting the challenges posed by potential aggressors and the need to replenish ammunition stocks. Chancellor Scholz refrained initially from expressing concern over recent comments …

EU heads urge more Ukraine support as ministers debate how to fill war-torn nation’s ammunition gap
1 year, 1 month ago

EU heads urge more Ukraine support as ministers debate how to fill war-torn nation’s ammunition gap

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — The leaders of five European Union countries urged their neighbors and allies Wednesday to ramp up military support for Ukraine, while the bloc’s defense ministers debated ways to help meet the war-ravaged country’s ammunition shortfall. “Our ability to continue to support and sustain Ukraine’s defense, both during the winter and in the longer term, is decisive,” they wrote …

EU countries agree to 2-billion-euro plan to send a million artillery shells to Ukraine
2 years ago

EU countries agree to 2-billion-euro plan to send a million artillery shells to Ukraine

Firstpost  

Brussels: Countries of the European Union have agreed to a 2 billion euro plan to send 1 million artillery rounds to Ukraine over the next year by digging into their own stockpiles and teaming up to buy more shells. “We have reached a political consensus to send to Ukraine one million rounds of 155 mm calibre ammunition,” Estonian Defence Minister …

EU’s top diplomat hails deal on artillery shells for Ukraine
2 years ago

EU’s top diplomat hails deal on artillery shells for Ukraine

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — European Union countries have endorsed a fast-track procedure aimed at providing Ukraine with sorely needed artillery shells to repel Russia’s invasion forces, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said Monday, as Moscow maintains its focus on attacking the industrial east of the war-ravaged country. As he chaired a meeting of EU foreign and defense ministers in Brussels, Borrell …

EU agrees to send Ukraine one million artillery shells
2 years ago

EU agrees to send Ukraine one million artillery shells

Al Jazeera  

EU defence and foreign ministers backed an initiative aimed at providing Ukraine with one million artillery shells within the next 12 months. EU defence and foreign ministers backed an initiative aimed at providing Ukraine with one million artillery shells in the next 12 months as well as replenishing EU stocks during a meeting held in Brussels on Monday. “We are …

Europe’s defense industry is booming as governments stand by Ukraine
2 years ago

Europe’s defense industry is booming as governments stand by Ukraine

CNN  

London CNN — After months of soaring stock prices, Europe’s defense companies hardly needed another boost. Speaking in Stockholm Wednesday, Ukraine’s Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said his country needed one million rounds of ammunition “as soon as possible” to deter Russian forces. Sascha Schuermann/Getty Images BAE Systems, Europe’s largest defense contractor by revenue, logged record orders worth £37 billion last …

EU urges members to offer stockpiles, contracts to Ukraine
2 years, 1 month ago

EU urges members to offer stockpiles, contracts to Ukraine

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — The European Union on Tuesday urged its member countries to provide more ammunition to Ukraine from their stockpiles and from any orders that they might have already placed with the defense industry to help defeat invading Russian forces. Borrell said that he had written to the bloc’s 27 defense ministers urging them to “give Ukraine priority” when it …

EU mulls ways to ramp up ammunition production for Ukraine
2 years, 1 month ago

EU mulls ways to ramp up ammunition production for Ukraine

Firstpost  

Brussels: The European Union must find ways to quickly provide thousands of artillery shells to Ukraine or face the prospect that it might lose the war against Russia, top EU diplomats warned Monday, as ammunition stocks in national EU armories dwindle. “The most important, pressing issue today for the Ukrainian army is to have a continuous flow of ammunition,” EU …

War ‘wake-up call’ spurs EU to boost cyber, army mobility
2 years, 4 months ago

War ‘wake-up call’ spurs EU to boost cyber, army mobility

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — The European Union on Thursday unveiled new proposals to help its armies move faster in times of conflict and to boost cyber security, saying that Russia’s war on Ukraine is a wake-up call to bolster Europe’s defenses. The proposals aim to identify gaps in European infrastructure — such as roads, bridges, rail lines, ports or airports incapable of …

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