RIP. We need it so much today. The ideal framework for the “European Pillar” of NATO.

As I predicted USA is aiming to decouple from providing the security blanket UK has enjoyed since WW2. Surely this weakens Art5 NATO & makes the case for EU CSDP & strengthening EU's mutual defence clause Art42.7? UK with its 1st class armed forces needs to re-engage with EU here

Ian Ditchfield Brexiteers have always relied on NATO to provide UK security but if US disengages we need a replacement. I suggested in my 2017 paper reinventing the WEU & the case today is stronger than ever post Brexit as it would reengage UK at defence top table. Garvan Walshe Peter Ricketts

A new defence bank will boost our security thetimes.com/article/265b44…

Macron adds “We must also develop a fully integ­rated European defence indus­trial and tech­no­lo­gical base.” He might therefore demand changes in the EU’s protectionist third-country rules which stop UK defence industry from participating in projects involving EU funding.

Three years of resistance. Three years of gratitude. Three years of absolute heroism of Ukrainians. I am proud of Ukraine! I thank everyone who defends and supports it. Everyone who works for Ukraine. And may the memory of all those who gave their lives for our state and people

This is encouraging. A report from Lords European Affairs Committee a year ago described third country rules on non-EU states joining EU defence projects as ‘protectionist’. Given Trump’s approach to European security, it’s urgent to knock down the barriers to effective defence industry cooperation.

@"Nick Watts Commentary - Ukraine "linkedin.com/pulse/nick-wat… on LinkedIn

My longer (and slightly more coherent) take on the UK–EU “reset” is now up: what was agreed, what comes next – and why the fundamentals of post-Brexit relations remain unchanged. antonspisak.substack.com/p/back-to-lanc…

In the latest #RUSICommentary Amy Greene examines France’s accelerated defence spending plans and asks whether Macron’s €6.5bn boost will be enough to meet growing strategic demands. bit.ly/456a6WH

The 1975 Helsinki Final Act was one of the most important products of the period of détente between the West & the Soviet bloc in the late 1960s & early 1970s. Are it & the #OSCE that grew out of it still relevant in 2025? 🆕 by Ian Bond Read here: buff.ly/E0CkmLd

Our recent report from Ed Arnold examines how the UK and Germany can maximise their new relationship to ensure that it delivers the most value to each of them and to European security. rusi.org/explore-our-re…

Germany announced today that it will fund a $500 million package of military equipment and munitions for Ukraine sourced from the US, under #NATO’s new Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative. ℹ️ bit.ly/45zmxKW

Australia’s choice of a Japanese design for its newest class of frigates represents a milestone for both countries, offering to boost Australian naval capabilities and Japan’s defence-export aspirations. Read the full online analysis by Nick Childs and Ben Schreer:

📣 NATO launches “Eastern Sentry” to bolster posture along eastern flank Mark Rutte and SACEUR held a joint press conference to outline NATO’s response to the violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones and announced the launch of “Eastern Sentry” Tap to learn more ↓

The EU is committed to safeguard Europe's security. At the informal #EUCO, EU leaders focused on: 📌 Defence: capacity development, support to the Eastern flank and governance 📌 Ukraine: continued EU support, including financing More ➡️ link.europa.eu/dxPdH4

🇪🇺 investments in defence: @eu2025dk & European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on the ‘mini-Omnibus’. It will open up to defence existing EU funds normally used for civilian purposes. Ukraine will be associated to the European Defence Fund. 👇

Meanwhile, Royaume Uni, nul points