European Union ambassadors have agreed on a major new defence initiative- an arms fund worth €150 billion to strengthen Europe’s military capabilities.
The fund, proposed by the European Commission in March, is a response to growing fears about Russia and uncertainty over whether the U.S., under President Trump, would continue to protect Europe.
Over the past three years, EU countries have already boosted defence spending by more than 30%, but leaders say more action is needed. The new programme, called Security Action for Europe (SAFE), will support collaborative defence projects across the EU and promote European-made weapons and technologies. To qualify for funding, at least 65% of a project's value must come from companies within the EU, the European Economic Area, or Ukraine.
Countries with Security and Defence Partnership agreements with the EU, such as the UK (which signed an agreement this week), may also qualify under additional conditions. This move opens the door for UK firms like BAE Systems to participate in SAFE-funded projects.
The Commission fast-tracked the legislation, skipping European Parliament approval and requiring only unanimous consent from all 27 EU countries. That consent was secured on Wednesday, with final ministerial approval expected on May 27.
European Council President Antonio Costa praised the decision, calling it a key step toward a more secure and united Europe.
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Switzerland has introduced new visa requirements for Georgian diplomatic and service passport holders, highlighting growing tensions between Georgia and its European partners.
The European Union's top diplomat Kaja Kallas and several EU foreign ministers voiced their support for Ukraine's demand for accountability over Russian atrocities committed in Bucha, as they visited the small town on Tuesday (31 March) on the fourth anniversary of a massacre there.
HHungary’s foreign minister has been drawn into controversy after an audio recording, released by an investigative outlet, appeared to show him discussing EU sanctions with his Russian counterpart days before an election that could shape Budapest’s relationship with Moscow, Reuters reports.
Europe has entered one of the most complex geopolitical moments since the end of the Cold War. The ongoing war in Ukraine continues to reshape security priorities, while tensions in the Middle East have intensified following U.S. and Israeli-coordinated unilateral military actions against Iran.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday told reporters that Iran could be taken out in one night, "and that night might be tomorrow night," warning Tehran it had to make a deal by Tuesday night or face wider bombing raids.
The crew of Artemis II mission are entering a pivotal phase of their journey, as they prepare to swing around the Moon and head back towards Earth. Now on the fifth day of their 10-day mission, the four astronauts are already witnessing views no human has ever seen.
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Iran's energy and transport infrastructure in a social media post containing expletives on Sunday (5 April), as he seperately gave Iran a deadline of Tuesday to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
A new proposal to end hostilities between the United States and Iran could come into effect as soon as Monday, potentially reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz, a source familiar with the plan said on Monday.
Oil prices rose sharply on Monday as fears deepened over potential supply shortages caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, unsettling global energy markets and the row over the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns for consumers and businesses alike.
As Hungary approaches a crucial vote, younger citizens who grew up under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán are increasingly backing the opposition, with some saying they may leave if he secures another term.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has urged EU prosecutors to speed up their probe into politicians from his party who are under investigation for fraud. The EU has asked to investigate 11 conservative MPs who are currently protected by parliamentary immunity.
In a move highlighting growing friction between global trade and digital retail, China on Monday issued new guidance for its rapidly expanding e-commerce sector.
North Korea's test of a solid-fuel rocket engine is intended for intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) built with carbon fibre to extend range and allow for delivery of heavier and possibly multiple warheads, South Korean lawmakers said on Monday.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán called an emergency defence council on Sunday (5 April) after powerful explosives were discovered near a pipeline in Serbia that carries Russian gas to Hungary.
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