Here's the EU's update (or enhanced) Maritime Security Strategy "for evolving maritime threats". The original document was published back in 2014. Quite a lot has happened since then. #EUdefence europa.eu/!Njf6T6

The key point here is that Europe's dependency on imported raw materials is also affecting its ability to act in the security and defence field. Explosives shortage threatens EU drive to arm Ukraine - on.ft.com/3n5DXfo via Financial Times

Tomorrow, #Finland will officially join #NATO. Only a few years ago, this did not seem possible or even realistic. But events, as they say, have a tenancy to rewrite what is possible in a short period of time. I'm so happy to be able to witness and experience this as a Finn. 🇫🇮

Today's the day. Finland will deposit its instrument of accession to the North Atlantic Treaty w/ the US State Dept & the 🇫🇮 flag will be raised alongside those of other allies at the NATO HQ. A historic day that'll mark the beginning of a new era for 🇫🇮. politico.eu/article/jens-s…

Tänään se viimein tapahtuu: Suomen lippu nousee Naton päämajassa muiden liittolaisten lippujen rinnalle iltapäivällä ja Suomen Nato-prosessi päättyy. Alkaa uusi aikakausi Naton jäsenmaana. Historiallinen päivä. hs.fi/politiikka/art…

The City of Brussels raises the Finnish flag on its City Hall to welcome Finland into NATO 🇫🇮

"The era of military non-alingment in our history has come to an end. A new era begins." Statement by 🇫🇮 President Sauli Niinistö.

There it finally is: the Finnish flag, flying alongside those of other NATO allies at the HQ in Brussels. What a moment!

#WeAreNATO

We've heard this before. It's as logical as arguing that getting fire insurance is a threat to the pyromaniac. Moscow has itself to blame. Europe is more secure with Finland in #NATO. Russia warns Finland’s Nato membership risks escalating conflict - on.ft.com/3m862mc

Today, European Commission & HR Josep Borrell Fontelles published the European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS) - the result of several months of work for those involved. The COM also tabled a proposal for a regulation on a European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP). ec.europa.eu/commission/pre…

Defence policy and the armed forces are and remain exclusive national competence. I fully share German Defence Minister Pistorius' views: priority must be given now to better coordination of Member States' defense policies.

Today, EDA’s Steering Board met for the 1st time in 2024. The meeting was held in the composition of National Armaments Directors (NADs). 1st meeting chaired by LtGen Göran Mårtensson 🇸🇪, who assumed the Chairmanship of the NADs SB at the beginning of the year. #EUdefence

Celebrating the first anniversary of Finland's NATO membership in Brussels earlier today 🇫🇮

The Lisbon Treaty and I would like to wish everyone a happy ##EuropeDay 🙂 🇪🇺

Today, European Defence Agency's MoDs Steering Board approved EDA's 2024 Long-Term Review. It provides strategic guidance to the Agency & redefines its core tasks. It was conducted against the background of a challenging strategic environment & EDA's 20th anniversary. #EUdefence

I am glad to appoint General André Denk as Chief Executive of European Defence Agency. The agency's role in developing joint military capabilities and driving innovation is more crucial than ever. General Denk’s leadership will be a real asset. I look forward to our work together.

🆕 Starting at 09.00 CEST: SEDE Committee Press MEPs will exchange views with European Defence Agency Chief Executive André Denk. Full committee meeting agenda 👉 tinyurl.com/59nzby9v 🔴 📽️ Watch live: tinyurl.com/463juh6n 👇