EU defence spending jumps 20% to €418 billion in 2025, with budgets projected to approach €550 billion by 2029
Defence spending by the European Union’s 27 member states rose 20% to €418 billion in 2025, according to the European Defence Agency.
European Commission launches EU-Ukraine Drone Alliance to expand joint drone and counter-drone production
The European Commission has launched the EU-Ukraine Drone Alliance at the third EU-Ukraine Defence Industry Forum in Kyiv.
European Commission launches Ukraine defence industry partnership, Drone Deal and €1 billion drone funding under support loan
The European Commission and Ukraine have signed a new defence industrial partnership aimed at integrating Ukrainian and European defence industries more closely.
European Commission proposes five joint defence projects to strengthen EU capabilities, industry and Ukraine cooperation under EDIP
The European Commission proposed five large-scale European Defence Projects of Common Interest on 3 July 2026 to help EU countries jointly strengthen key defence capabilities.
European Commission releases €3.9 billion for Ukraine drones as first step in wider €90 billion support loan
The payment is the first under the initial tranche of around €6 billion dedicated to drones, which the Commission described as a key capability for Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s war of aggression.
Lithuania receives first €956.3 million SAFE payment under EU plan to accelerate defence investment and strengthen eastern flank
Lithuania received its first payment of €956.3 million under the Security Action for Europe defence financing instrument on 24 June.
EU breaks ground on Cologne GOVSATCOM hub to strengthen secure satellite communications for government users across Europe
Europe’s secure satellite communications programme advanced last week with the groundbreaking of the GOVSATCOM site in Cologne, Germany.
EU formally concludes SAFE agreement with Canada to support participation in joint defence procurement programmes
The Council of the European Union has adopted a decision formally concluding an agreement with Canada on participation in procurement under the Security Action for Europe instrument.
EU and Republic of Korea agree to expand security and defence partnership amid shared European and Indo-Pacific threats
The European Union and the Republic of Korea agreed to expand security and defence cooperation during their 11th Summit in Brussels.
Poland receives first €6.6 billion SAFE payment as EU moves to accelerate defence investment
Poland has received its first €6.6 billion payment under the European Union’s Security Action for Europe defence financing instrument.
European Commission opens €20 million call to support IRIS² user terminal industrialisation
The European Commission has opened a new call for proposals for grants to support the development of affordable user terminals for IRIS² and GOVSATCOM services.
Romania’s SAFE defence loan faces contract deadline pressure as defence ministry signals caution on terms
Romania’s €16.68 billion loan agreement with the European Commission under the Security Action for Europe programme has opened a major financing route for defence procurement and strategic infrastructure.