European Security and Defence Policy

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

EU sets human rights controls on 'dual use' exports

The EU institutions agreed Monday new criteria for exporting 'dual use' products and technologies, including cyber-surveillance tools, that can be repurposed in ways which violate human rights.

Go-ahead for 13 new EU defence projects

EU defence ministers gave the go-ahead Tuesday to an updated list of 13 new projects to be undertaken under the EU's new 'Permanent Structured Cooperation' defence structure (PESCO).

Performance risks in EU defence plans, say auditors

The current military capabilities and cooperation of the EU Member States do not match the new level of ambition of the EU’s defence policy, says a review by the European Court of Auditors, out Thursday.

EU continues to strengthen defence capability

The EU Council underlined its desire to enhance its strategic autonomy and capacity to act as security provider Monday, agreeing a number of projects under its PESCO defence cooperation programme.

Trump criticised as NATO strengthens cooperation with EU

"Appreciate your allies, after all you don't have that many," EU Council president Tusk told US president Trump Tuesday, as NATO and the EU signed a joint declaration to strengthen military cooperation.

Brussels unveils EUR 13 billion defence fund

The EU Commission outlined plans for a new EUR 13 billion European Defence Fund Wednesday, with a view to increasing the EU's 'strategic autonomy' and strengthening its ability to protect its citizens.

European Peace Facility

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.