European Security and Defence Policy

Latest news about EU initiatives relating to a common security policy for Europe.

European Peace Facility — 13 June 2018, 14:11 CET

To bolster the EU's ability to safeguard European security interests and prevent conflicts, build peace and strengthen international security, EU High Representative Mogherini on 13 June proposed a new European Peace Facility worth EUR 10.5 billion for 2021-2027.

The European Peace Facility — 13 June 2018, 14:14 CET

The European Peace Facility (EPF) is an off-budget fund for the next Multiannual Financial Framework, designed to prevent conflicts, preserve peace and strengthen international security around the world, for the benefit of our citizens and our partners.

EU puts forward 'military mobility' defence plan — 13 April 2018, 00:02 CET

The European Commission and the EU's foreign affairs chief presented Wednesday an Action Plan to improve military mobility within and beyond the European Union.

MEPs demand controls on cyber-surveillance tools — 17 January 2018, 23:47 CET

EU export controls should be extended to cyber-surveillance tools to avoid human rights violations, MEPs said in a vote Wednesday, setting the Parliament's position for negotiations with EU ministers.

Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) - Deepening Defence Cooperation among EU Member States — 14 November 2017, 13:27 CET

On 13 November 2017 ministers from 23 EU Member States signed a joint notification on the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) and handed it over to the High Representative and the Council.

23 EU states launch new era for European defence cooperation — 14 November 2017, 22:48 CET

23 EU Member States - though not the United Kingdom - signed an historic pact Monday to cooperate more closely in future on security and defence in the wake of Brexit and Russian aggression.

EU bolsters defences against terrorism — 18 October 2017, 18:32 CET

A package of anti-terrorism measures announced Wednesday will help address vulnerabilities exposed by recent terrorist attacks and make a real difference in enhancing security, says the EU Commission.

Countering 'hybrid' security threats a priority, says EU — 19 July 2017, 18:06 CET

The European Union outlined plans Wednesday to counter the growing threat to its security in the form of 'hybrid' threats, such as monitoring and countering illegal online content and propaganda.

European Defence Fund — 07 June 2017, 18:31 CET

The European Commission launched on 7 June a European Defence Fund to help EU Member States spend taxpayer money more efficiently, reduce duplications in spending, and get better value for money. The Fund will coordinate, supplement and amplify national investments in defence research, in the development of prototypes and in the acquisition of defence equipment and technology.

Europe moves to strengthen defence capability — 07 June 2017, 22:48 CET

The EU Commission set out a reflection paper Wednesday outlining options to address the growing security and defence threats facing Europe and to enhance Europe's own abilities in defence by 2025.

Action of armed forces in conflicts can be terrorist acts: EU Court — 16 March 2017, 00:52 CET

The actions by armed forces during periods of armed conflict, within the meaning of international humanitarian law, may constitute 'terrorist acts', rules the European Court of Justice.

Tougher EU gun law to close security loopholes — 15 March 2017, 00:39 CET

An update to the EU's 1991 firearms directive, approved Tuesday by Euro-MPs, include tighter controls on blank-firing and inadequately deactivated weapons, such as those used in the Paris terror attacks.

EU bolsters defence against new forms of terrorism — 08 March 2017, 13:41 CET

The EU bolstered its defence against terrorist attacks Tuesday by criminalising acts such as undertaking training or travelling for terrorist purposes, as well as organising or facilitating such travel.

EU defence ministers agree joint military HQ — 07 March 2017, 11:49 CET

EU foreign affairs and defence ministers agreed Monday to establish joint military headquarters for the planning and conduct of non-executive military missions initially in Somalia, Central Africa and Mali.

Action Plan to tackle travel document fraud — 09 December 2016, 11:56 CET

The European Commission adopted on December 8 an Action Plan setting out concrete measures to improve the security of travel documents. The Action Plan provides clear recommendations for EU Member States to tackle the phenomenon of travel document fraud and outlines a comprehensive set of actions for the Commission to take. Travel document security is an important factor in the fight against terrorism and organised crime and contributes to improving border protection and migration management, paving a way towards an effective and genuine Security Union.

Factsheet: A European Agenda on Security - state of play December 2016 — 09 December 2016, 11:50 CET

Security has been a constant theme since the beginning of this Commission's mandate from EC president Juncker's Guidelines of July 2014 to the latest State of the Union address of September 2016. The European Agenda on Security guides the Commission's work in this area, setting out the main actions to ensure an effective EU response to terrorism and security threats in the European Union. President Juncker also created a specific Commissioner portfolio for the Security Union to ensure an effective implementation of the commitments made.

EU plans EUR 5 billion defence fund — 01 December 2016, 00:53 CET

The EU Commission set out proposals Wednesday to strengthen Member States' joint defence capabilities, defence spending efficiency and a EUR 5 bn European Defence Fund.

EU moves to strengthen NATO and defence partnership — 16 November 2016, 00:52 CET

EU foreign affairs ministers ended a two-day meeting on Tuesday with moves to strengthen Europe's security and defence and its partnership with NATO.

MEPs call for common EU defence policy — 26 October 2016, 01:10 CET

The EU should tackle Europe's deteriorating security by helping its armed forces to work together better, as a first step towards a common defence policy, MEPs on the foreign affairs committee said Monday.

EU looks to tighten controls on exports of dual-use items — 29 September 2016, 19:24 CET

The EU Commission set out a proposal Wednesday to strengthen controls on exports of goods and technologies that could be misused for terrorist acts or the development of weapons of mass destruction.

Nuclear decommissioning costs mount for eastern states — 23 September 2016, 12:04 CET

The cost of decommissioning Soviet-designed nuclear reactors in Lithuania, Bulgaria and Slovakia will be at least EUR 5.7 billion, and could be double that, according to the European Court of Auditors.

Decommissioning of nuclear facilities — 20 September 2016, 15:32 CET

The decommissioning of a nuclear installation such as a power plant or research reactor is the final step in its life cycle. It involves all activities from shut-down and removal of nuclear material to the environmental restoration of the site. The whole process can extend over a period of up to 30 years. By 2025, it is estimated that over a third of the EU's currently operational reactors will be at the end of their life cycle and in need of shut-down.

Security: EU plan to strengthen external borders — 14 September 2016, 19:54 CET

The European Commission set out on 14 September how the European Union can enhance security in Europe by improving the exchange of information in the fight against terrorism and strengthening external borders.

Single certificate to tighten EU airport security — 08 September 2016, 23:11 CET

Tighter security for Europe's airports is promised as a result of a new EU proposal for a single Europe-wide certification procedure for aviation security screening equipment unveiled on Wednesday.

EU measures to support security and development in partner countries — 06 July 2016, 00:26 CET

The European Commission and EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini presented measures on 5 July to enhance the European Union's effectiveness in supporting stability, security and development in third countries. The measures were outlined in a Joint Communication on security sector reform in partner countries and a legislative proposal to extend the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (IcSP).