Europe's defence structure is taking shape. The EU in December 2017 launched a "permanent structured cooperation" on defence agreement (PESCO) across 25 countries to stimulate the development of military projects and the design of common defence equipment. As the United Kingdom and its powerful army prepare to leave the EU, new challenges to the security of the continent are emerging with the Islamist threat, growing tensions with Russia and pressure from migration. With this new common defence structure, will European countries redefine their relations with NATO? Will the EU live up to these new challenges?
Defence and security
A continent's preparations for a world of challenges
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French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that Europeans cannot be protected without a European army.
EU Parliament seeks Saudi Arabia arms embargo
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Macron pushes for EU security amid flagging USÂ promises
President Trump has left many allies wondering if the US would jump in to help in case of an emergency. Now the French President is calling on the EU to review its security and defence policies.