defence

Europe's unified approach has traditionally been complicated by Hungary, which openly rejects aid to Ukraine. Martin Vokálek, Director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the common European defence.

In Brussels, representatives of the Member States discussed a myriad of issues. One of them is the continuation of further military aid to Ukraine. Twenty-six Member States supported the joint declaration on the continuation of aid, while Hungary opposed it. What weight does this declaration carry if it is not unanimous? Filip Křenek, an analyst at EUROPEUM Institute, commented for STVR.

Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for TN Live on the summit in Brussels, which focuses on competitiveness, defence and European unity. He also discussed the current security situation on the international scene.

The first-ever European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS) was introduced by the European Commission and the High Representative/Vice-President for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR/VP) in March 2024, addressing key challenges in the European defence industry. The strategy aims to increase European defence industrial readiness, encourage Member States to invest in the European defence industry, and reinforce joint European defence procurement and ownership. EU Member States from Central Europe have played a crucial role in supporting Ukraine after the start of the Russian unprovoked and illegal full-scale invasion in February 2022. They also stressed the need to focus the EU's efforts on new initiatives in the field of defence and the defence industry, such as the Act in Support of Ammunition Production or enhancing the European Defence Fund. Writes Timotej Kováčik, Junior Researcher/Analyst focusing on security and defense issues, the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, and energy security at the Slovak Foreign Policy Association.

Building a Europe that is militarily resilient, socially cohesive, and prepared for climate change comes with many challenges. Klára Votavová, Associate Research Fellow at the EUROPEUM Institute, shared her insights with Deník N.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is inseparable from European security. Dependence on fossil fuel imports puts Europe in a difficult position, even from a military perspective. Filip Křenek, project coordinator and analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on this for portal Obnovitelně.cz.

Jakub Ferenčík wrote a blog on the topic: The Militarization of Europe: Three Reasons the EU’s Defense Strategy Changed. In his blog, he writes for example about three reasons why the EU defence strategy has changed or the militarisation of Europe and the future of deterrence.

Our researcher Danielle Piatkiewicz has written an article for NEW EUROPE in which she discusses the future of the idea of a European Defence Force.

We invite you to the next debate in the series "What EU do we want to have in 2025?" on the European Defence. The debate will take place on Wednesday 8 September from 17:30 to 19:00.

In her latest EU monitor, Danielle Piatkiewicz explores the future of Central and Eastern European security after Brexit.

Adrian Blasquez authored an EU Monitor on the challenges of the military integration in the EU.

EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy kindly invites you to another Café Evropa in the regions debate, which will take place in Kulturka ZČU in Plzeň. On Tuesday of the 17th December, we shall discuss the topic of the EU and its responsibility for defence.