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
EU drops plan for 10,000 border guards by 2020
The European Union has abandoned its plan for a 10,000-strong bloc-wide border and coastguard saying it was "unrealistic" for the force to be ready by 2020
EU defence efforts musn’t hurt transatlantic bond: NATO chief
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has warned Europe against undermining transatlantic ties, following a defence spat between US President Donald Trump and French leader Emmanuel Macron.
Macron: Europe needs ‘real European army’
French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that Europeans cannot be protected without a European army.
EU Parliament seeks Saudi Arabia arms embargo
The European Parliament passed a resolution urging arms embargo against Saudi Arabia following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
EU states seek sanctions for cyber attackers
A group of EU states including Britain and the Baltic countries is pushing the bloc to slap sanctions on cyber attackers, as Europe seeks to strengthen its electronic defences.
Macron’s EU vision: how has it fared 12 months on?
On September 26 last year, Emmanuel Macron laid out his vision for a reformed EU to blunt the rise of nationalism and ensure the bloc has a future as an independent actor on the world stage.