European Union governments have agreed on a 1.5 billion-euro scheme to fund defence investments, though some countries said its "buy European" rules are too restrictive, diplomats said on Wednesday.
The European Defence Industrial Programme (EDIP) is part of a broader effort to re-arm the bloc following the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Under the deal, at least 65% of component costs for funded items must originate in the EU or associated countries. France had pushed for stricter rules, while others, including the Netherlands, sought more flexibility to buy from the U.S., UK and other allies.
Ambassadors from the EU’s 27 countries are expected to formally approve the deal on Monday, before negotiations with the European Parliament.
A group of 10 countries - including the Netherlands and Baltic states - argued the rules should better reflect the urgent need to boost European defences, given the industry's current reliance on key foreign components.
Despite concerns, they said they would not block progress on the plan, which could receive more funding in future.
Tensions between Iran and Israel continue to escalate, with Tehran condemning Israel’s airstrikes and emphasizing its defensive stance.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said a peaceful resolution between Iran and Israel is possible if all sides are involved. He emphasized the need to respect Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy and ensure Israel’s security.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Moscow remains open to dialogue and negotiations on all issues, including Ukraine. He made these remarks during a traditional meeting with the heads of leading global news agencies held as part of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum SPIEF
Putin Highlights Strengthening Russia-Vietnam Energy Ties at SPIEF
News agencies from the US, UK, France, and other countries met with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. The meeting aimed to foster dialogue and information exchange between the media and the government.
Tensions between Iran and Israel continue to escalate, with Tehran condemning Israel’s airstrikes and emphasizing its defensive stance.
Türkiye’s Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler announced that security measures along the borders have been increased due to recent developments at the Iranian border. Güler traveled to Van with high-ranking military officials to conduct inspections along the Iran border.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said a peaceful resolution between Iran and Israel is possible if all sides are involved. He emphasized the need to respect Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy and ensure Israel’s security.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Moscow remains open to dialogue and negotiations on all issues, including Ukraine. He made these remarks during a traditional meeting with the heads of leading global news agencies held as part of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum SPIEF
Putin Highlights Strengthening Russia-Vietnam Energy Ties at SPIEF
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has cancelled certain flights scheduled for 13th and 14th June amid recent escalation of situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace in several countries for security reasons.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed the escalating Middle East tensions and stressed the need for urgent de-escalation and diplomatic efforts to prevent further conflict.
At the second China-Central Asia Summit held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, China and five Central Asian countries signed the "Treaty of Eternal Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation," establishing a new legal foundation for strategic partnership.
Smoke rises over Tehran as Israeli airstrikes and Iranian missile attacks push regional tensions to the brink. Dozens of civilian casualties have been reported on both sides.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned that interest rate forecasts may change based on future data and highlighted expected inflation growth in the coming months.
Tensions between Iran and Israel continue to escalate, with Tehran condemning Israel’s airstrikes and emphasizing its defensive stance.
Tensions between Iran and Israel continue to escalate, with Tehran condemning Israel’s airstrikes and emphasizing its defensive stance.
Türkiye’s Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler announced that security measures along the borders have been increased due to recent developments at the Iranian border. Güler traveled to Van with high-ranking military officials to conduct inspections along the Iran border.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said a peaceful resolution between Iran and Israel is possible if all sides are involved. He emphasized the need to respect Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy and ensure Israel’s security.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Moscow remains open to dialogue and negotiations on all issues, including Ukraine. He made these remarks during a traditional meeting with the heads of leading global news agencies held as part of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum SPIEF
Putin Highlights Strengthening Russia-Vietnam Energy Ties at SPIEF
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