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21 articles
European Commission and NATO chiefs to discuss Russia’s hybrid warfare after drone incident in Germany
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will meet NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Wednesday to discuss their joint response to Moscow's hybrid threats, after Germany formally blamed Russia for an incident involving an explosive-laden drone at…
Iceland’s EU referendum: What to know ahead of vote and what's at stake for Europe
Everything you need to know about Iceland’s Saturday referendum on whether the country should negotiate again to join the European Union.
Europe’s hollowed-out armies: The race to find 100,000 soldiers
The European Commissioner for Defence, Andrius Kubilius, says Europe needs to be able to rapidly deploy around 100,000 troops to deter a potential Russian attack.
Tourism hit by war fears: Seven EU countries seek Brussels funding for frontline regions
Seven frontline European Union nations want the bloc’s next long-term budget to help their hotels, businesses and operators weather the fallout from Europe’s security crisis — and their proximity to it.
‘There is no fish’: The Russian vessels raising spy fears in Europe
The European Union sanctioned two fishing companies in 2025 for allegedly participating in Russia’s surveillance and sabotage apparatus.
EU's Taliban tension laid bare five years after Afghanistan takeover
Exclusive: Five years after the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan, former women’s affairs minister Sima Samar tells The Debate she is disappointed by the EU’s engagement with a regime overseeing a "human rights disaster."
EU stands in 'solidarity' with The Debate following ban in Belarus
The European Union and various leading press freedom organisations have condemned Belarus’ designation of The Debate as “extremist”, calling it part of a broader crackdown on independent media.
The last neutrals: Can four EU states adapt to Europe's defence shift?
Europe is rearming, Russia is threatening, and faith in the defensive protection given by the United States is wavering.
'Red Orbán' or visionary? Ceuta crisis puts Sánchez's EU standing under scrutiny
The Ceuta crisis exposed Spain’s growing marginalisation within Europe. Analysts say Sánchez’s disputes with EU partners over security, migration, China and defence are reinforcing perceptions of an increasingly isolated Madrid.
EU grows impatient over Italy's hesitancy on €14.9bn defence loan
Italy hasn't decided how much of its €14.9bn SAFE defence loan it will use, as several domestic considerations affect the calculus.
Did a Canadian intern of Chinese origin spy on NATO? The Debate explains
A Canadian intern at NATO’s top military base has been accused of spying for a foreign power.
From Garpiya drones to a Starlink rival: Europe strikes at Russia’s military might
The EU’s latest sanctions package against Russia targets 56 military-industrial entities and individuals, including long-range drones and communication networks.
The EU is walking a tightrope between the world's major hegemons
In today's newsletter: Trump announces tariff threats from across the transatlantic, while The Debate speaks with an MEP fresh off a trip to China, and analysis on what happened with the EU's 21st sanctions package against Russia.
The EU versus Big Tech, and sanctions package approval
In today's newsletter: A potential fine is on its way for a US technology company in breach of the bloc's digital fairness rules, and the EU's 21st package of sanctions finally gets over the line amid criticism from a Baltic head of state in exclusive…
Brussels’ double deadlock
In today's newsletter: EU ambassadors aim to end the impasse on the 21st package of sanctions for Russia and whether to crack down on trade with illegal Israeli settlements, and more.
Trade, trophies and tanks
In today's newsletter: A team of Members of the European Parliament travel to China, Spain's reigning champions tour Madrid, and an expert explains the point of Europe's military parades.
Sweet, sweet Spanish victory
In today's newsletter: The FIFA World Cup magic comes to an end, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen holds court on competitiveness, and various European capitals face ministerial reshuffles.
Kubilius hails 'revolutionary' defence plan, but MEPs demand faster rollout
The European Commissioner for Defence says Europe's military mobility overhaul is necessary, but MEPs are pushing for an accelerated timeline.
Ukrainian gains should bring Putin to the negotiating table: Kubilius
In a wide-ranging interview with The Debate’ flagship morning news programme Europe Today, European Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius spoke about Ukraine's battlefield gains, Europe's defence ambitions and how to interpret proclamations from the White…
Ukraine inches closer towards joining EU with opening of another cluster
Ministers in Brussels approved the opening of another portion of Ukrainian accession negotiations on Tuesday.
Targeting Patriarch Kirill risks fuelling EU scepticism, Bulgarian foreign minister warns
Velislava Petrova-Chamova told The Debate that the EU’s sanctions against Russia should have a financial impact and not be a symbolic instrument – and that this, among other reasons, is why Sofia championed the removal of the head of Russia's Orthodox Church…