Sertaç Aktan is a journalist based in Brussel, Belgium.

EU plans to boost air and missile defence with 18 member states

21 Nov 2024  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Air and Missile Defence

The European Union, with 18 member states, is prioritizing the enhancement of air and missile defence capabilities as part of its military cooperation efforts. The initiative, supported by the European Defence Agency, aims to integrate advanced technologies and systems, including anti-missile and anti-drone systems, to strengthen the EU's strategic and industrial base. The project also emphasizes innovation, risk monitoring, and the use of AI and satellite technologies. Despite increased military spending, the EU acknowledges that national efforts alone are insufficient for high-intensity warfare, underscoring the need for collaborative defence strategies.

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European Defence Agency European Union

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Alexandra Brzozowski is a Brussels-based journalist specialised in European affairs. For EURACTIV, she covers European security and defence policy, Eastern Europe and Arctic policy. Also occasionally found on Zenger News.

Commission chief: EU’s defence strategy ‘incomplete’ without Ukraine

30 Nov 2023  |  EURACTIV.com  |  English  |  European Defence Industry

The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of integrating Ukraine's military needs into the EU's future defence industry strategy. Speaking at the European Defence Agency's annual forum, she highlighted the necessity of involving Ukraine in the consultation process and integrating it into EU defence programmes. The EU's defence spending reached a record €240 billion last year, driven by the war in Ukraine. Von der Leyen and other EU leaders, including Josep Borrell and Charles Michel, called for more strategic planning, joint programming, and investment in defence capabilities. The European Commission plans to propose a European Defence Industry Programme early next year to enhance production capacity and cooperation.

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European Council European Parliament European Defence Agency European Commission NATO

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I am an experienced multimedia reporter and writer now focusing on sexuality, women’s rights and early childhood.
Earlier in my career I spent a decade as a foreign correspondent in Latin America. I worked for the BBC in Venezuela when Hugo Chávez died, and my work has appeared in numerous ...

Russian Director Calls For End Of Russian Culture Boycott During Cannes Festival

20 May 2022  |  worldcrunch.com  |  English  |  Cultural Boycott

Russian director Kirill Serebrennikov, at the Cannes Film Festival, called for an end to the boycott of Russian culture, which he finds unbearable. This plea comes amidst the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, with Russian operations intensifying in Donbas and the Russian parliament considering a bill to allow older individuals to enlist in the military. China is buying coal from Russia, balancing economic interests with Western relations. The New York Times found new evidence of war crimes in Bucha. Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder is losing state privileges due to his ties with Putin. Japan is backing security measures for Ukrainian nuclear plants with a pledge of €2.1 million to the IAEA. The Senate passed a $40 billion aid package for Ukraine, awaiting President Joe Biden's signature in South Korea.

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European Parliament International Atomic Energy Agency British Ministry of Defence Russian State Duma Senate

Dr Andrew Garthwaite is a freelance journalist based in London, United Kingdom. 

In the past he has worked as a statistical journalist for the Financial Times, a magazine journalist for social justice advocacy publication 'Now or Never', a researcher in cardiovascular epidemiology for the ...

Romania receives US approval to purchase its first F-35 fighter jets

13 Sept 2024  |  Airforce Technology  |  English  |  NATO

Romania has received approval from the US State Department to purchase 32 F-35 fighter jets for $7.2 billion, marking its first acquisition of these advanced aircraft. This deal, part of a broader strategy to enhance Romania's defense capabilities, includes engines, communication systems, and logistical support. The acquisition aligns with Romania's increased defense spending and its role in Eastern European security, particularly given its proximity to Ukraine. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics is the primary contractor, and the purchase is expected to improve Romania's interoperability with NATO forces. Economic benefits may include technology transfers and local investments through offset agreements.

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European Union US Defense Security Cooperation Agency Romania's Ministry of National Defence US State Department NATO

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Tim Gosling is a journalist, editor and analyst based in the Czech Republic. He covers politics, business, current affairs and football across Central & Eastern Europe. Regular bylines for Al Jazeera, Deutsche Welle, Foreign Policy, Politico, The Times. He provides political and economic analysis ...

Democracy Digest: Hungary Students Stage Demo in Support of Striking Teachers

07 Oct 2022  |  Balkan Insight  |  English  |  Food Safety

Hungary's state-owned energy company MVM secured a deal with Russia's Gazprom to delay natural gas payments, aiming to ease budget pressure. Hungarian PM Viktor Orban hosted a migration summit with Serbian and Austrian leaders, emphasizing the need for stronger EU migration policies. A satirical campaign in Czechia humorously claimed Kaliningrad as a new Czech region. Czech crowdfunding efforts raised funds to send a tank to Ukraine for Putin's birthday. Slovakia's finance minister Igor Matovič survived a no-confidence vote amid controversy over his attacks on journalists. A tragic car accident in Bratislava sparked debate on drink driving laws. Poland plans a windfall tax to address high energy prices and reiterated its stance on war reparations from Germany. A major scandal in Poland involved the use of industrial oils in chicken feed, raising food safety concerns.

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European Commission Czech Defence Ministry Czech Nuclear Safety Agency Hungarian Government Serbian Government Austrian Government EU Ukrainian Military International Press Institute Slovak Government Polish Government

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Henrik Pryser Libell is a journalist based in Oslo, Norway.

Finland, ‘Prepper Nation of the Nordics,’ Isn’t Worried About Masks

06 Apr 2020  |  www.seattletimes.com  |  English  |  Medical Supplies

Finland's extensive stockpile of personal protective equipment, built up over years, has positioned it well to handle the COVID-19 pandemic, unlike its Nordic neighbors who have largely abandoned their stockpiles. The Finnish government has tapped into its medical supplies for the first time since World War II, highlighting the country's preparedness. In contrast, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark are facing shortages and are scrambling to reorganize domestic production. The European Commission has announced the creation of its first-ever stockpile of medical equipment in response to the pandemic. The article also discusses the challenges faced by other countries, including export bans and supply chain vulnerabilities.

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Norwegian Medicines Agency Swedish Defence Research Agency Swedish Defence University Norwegian Institute for Defence Studies European Commission Finnish Government Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection

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Alex Maxia is a journalist based in Gothenburg and has been living in Sweden since 2016. 

He works as a freelance journalist for The Times, covering mainly topics related to Scandinavia and is Nordic Correspondent for the Italian news agency Agenzia ANSA. Alex often works within the news team of ...

Denmark on brink of joining EU defence pact

31 May 2022  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  Danish Politics

Denmark is considering joining the EU's collective defence framework, driven by Russia's aggression and a broader series of defence reforms. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and most mainstream political parties support the move, while a significant portion of the population remains undecided. The decision could integrate Denmark into the European Defence Agency and EU battlegroups, symbolizing a shift in defence policy. However, concerns about EU militarism and operations in Africa persist among some voters.

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European Defence Agency Royal Danish Defence College European Union

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Edward Szekeres is a freelance journalist based in Bratislava, Slovakia. Well-versed in fixing, feature writing, interviewing and breaking news.

Reporting Democracy: Politics Suffers Side Effects from COVID Vaccines

05 Mar 2021  |  Balkan Insight  |  English  |  European Politics

The article discusses the political turmoil in Slovakia following Prime Minister Igor Matovic's decision to procure the Russian Sputnik V vaccine without European Medicines Agency approval, leading to a coalition crisis. Deputy Prime Minister Veronika Remisova and other coalition partners criticized the move, resulting in calls for a government reshuffle. The Czech Republic and Hungary are also facing challenges with their COVID-19 vaccination strategies, with political implications. In Poland, the government is dealing with a third wave of COVID-19 and legal setbacks related to judicial appointments. The article highlights the intersection of health policy and politics in Central and Eastern Europe during the pandemic.

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Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) Ministry of Defence European Medicines Agency Za ludi SaS Sme rodina OLaNO Czech drugs authority SUKL Fidesz Democratic Coalition Law and Justice (PiS) National Council of the Judiciary (KRS)

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I am currently working as a journalist for the belgian newspaper La Libre Belgique, for the International Section. Born in Bucharest in 1991, I have been living in Belgium since I was 10 years old. Experiencing two cultures has been an amazing opportunity, that sparked my interest in international ...

Why Europeans are struggling in their efforts to militarily aid Ukraine

12 Nov 2023  |  La Libre.be  |  French  |  European Union

The European Union's ambitious plan to deliver one million shells to Ukraine by March 2024 is facing significant delays, with only 300,000 delivered so far. The EU had planned to encourage member states to draw from their stocks and place joint orders with industries, but logistical challenges and depleted ammunition stocks have hindered progress. The EU is also considering a dedicated military support fund for Ukraine, but internal disagreements and Hungary's blockade of aid tranches complicate the situation. The article highlights the need for increased production and political unity to meet Ukraine's defense needs.

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European Defence Agency European Union NATO Hungarian Government

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Anchal Vohra is a Beirut-based TV and Print journalist. She is a freelance Correspondent for AJ English and a writer on the Middle east for Foreign Policy. She also contributes to the Times, the Atlantic, the Telegraph, the New Statesman, and Berlin Policy Journal. Ms Vohra has been Deutsche Welle ...

The ‘Military Schengen’ Era Is Here

04 Mar 2024  |  Foreign Policy  |  English  |  NATO

Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland have signed an agreement to create a military transport corridor, marking a significant step towards improving military mobility across Europe. This initiative, referred to as the 'Military Schengen,' aims to adapt the visa-free movement concept to military logistics. The idea gained traction following Russia's annexation of Crimea and the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, highlighting the need for rapid military mobilization. Despite the progress, experts note that bureaucratic and infrastructural challenges remain. The European Union and NATO are working on standardizing processes and funding dual-use infrastructure, but achieving consensus among member states is challenging. The recent NATO summit in Vilnius introduced regional defense plans, which could be a game-changer in addressing logistical needs and enhancing deterrence.

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European Defence Agency European Union NATO

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Margaret Ward is an award-winning journalist based in Dublin, Ireland. She was formerly the Foreign Editor and China correspondent at Ireland's public service broadcaster RTE and has twenty years experience, mostly covering foreign affairs. She is available to report and comment on Irish politics ...