Search

• The European Commission intends to make a proposal to harmonise the definitions, classifications and penalties of firearms offences to place further pressure on illegal markets. • Addressing the availability of illicit firearms has been an aim within the EU for some time. Denying firearms and explosives to terrorists and criminals enhances the safety and security of EU citizens. In the EU 2020-2025 action plan on trafficking in firearms, the Commission noted the challenges that existed in minimising ...

The development of European Defence Projects of Common Interest (EDPCIs) represents a decisive step towards strengthening the EU’s crisis response, economic competitiveness and strategic autonomy. EDPCIs aim to overcome fragmented national defence efforts by promoting joint development, production and procurement of key military capabilities, enhancing the EU’s governance structure for defence investment. While earlier frameworks like the EDF, PESCO and CARD have achieved limited integration, EDPCIs ...

During the January plenary session, the European Parliament will vote on its 2025 annual report on implementation of the common security and defence policy (CSDP). This is the first annual implementation report adopted by the fully fledged Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE).

At a time when Russia poses an increased security threat, military mobility – which gives Member States the ability to move troops and equipment across the EU – is an essential enabler for common European security, strengthening deterrence and defence. During the December plenary session, Parliament is due to vote on an own-initiative report on military mobility.

Amid rising geopolitical pressure, the EU seeks to reallocate current budget resources towards defence by enabling investment through five amended regulations on funding programmes, all part of a legislative package. In December, Parliament is due to vote on the provisional agreement reached with the Council on this package.

Building a European defence union is at the top of the EU's policy agenda. It is essential to preserving the security and wellbeing of EU society from current and future geopolitical threats. A reflection on the efficiency and quality of defence spending is a crucial first step in this process. Based on research carried out for the European Parliamentary Research Service, this report investigates the potential gains from deeper European cooperation on defence spending that leverages the continent's ...

Faced with the need to provide long-term support to Ukraine and upgrade its own defence, the EU is revisiting its financing arrangements for the Common Security and Defence component.

The Commission put forward its proposal for a regulation establishing the European defence industry reinforcement through common procurement act (EDIRPA) on 19 July 2022. The key goals were to address the EU's most urgent and critical defence capability gaps and incentivise the EU Member States to procure defence products jointly. On 27 June, the co-legislators reached a political agreement on EDIRPA. Parliament adopted the EDIRPA Regulation on 12 September and the Council followed suit on 9 October ...

The Russian invasion of Ukraine shattered Europe's peace and altered its security situation. This change requires EU foreign, security and defence policy, including its tools, to adapt appropriately. The European Parliament is expected to vote on a draft recommendation in this regard during its June plenary session.

On 30 and 31 May 2022, EU Heads of State or Government will meet for the fourth time since the outbreak of Russia’s war on Ukraine, to discuss developments in and support for the invaded country. Three other inter-connected topics - security and defence, energy and food security - will also be on the agenda. EU leaders are expected to take stock of the defence investment gaps analysis presented by the European Commission and the High Representative/Vice President of the Commission (HR/VP), Josep ...