EU advances joint defense projects and security coordination
The European Council on Monday approved the first five European Defense Projects of Common Interest, bringing member states together to strengthen the bloc’s defense capabilities and industrial capacity.
The projects focus on drones and counter-drone systems, maritime and seabed defense, space, air and missile defense, and protection of the EU’s eastern flank.
Introduced under the European Defense Industry Programme adopted in 2025, the projects are intended to help member states jointly develop capabilities considered critical to European security, particularly projects too large or complex for individual countries to pursue alone.
The five initiatives are now eligible for EU funding through the programme, with potential additional support expected under the planned European Competitiveness Fund.
“Member States, together with the support of the EU, are joining forces, pooling their expertise and investing together in the capabilities we need,” European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius said.
EU seeks security protocol alongside NATO
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said member states also held initial discussions on an emergency security protocol aimed at coordinating responses to so-called gray-zone attacks.
Kallas stressed that the mechanism should complement NATO rather than create parallel structures. She said she had discussed the proposal with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
The proposed protocol would focus on attacks and other hostile actions below the threshold of armed aggression covered by NATO’s Article 5 collective-defense provision.
Kallas said NATO’s Article 4 provides for consultations when an ally’s security is threatened, while the EU mechanism would examine what member states could do collectively in response to hybrid attacks.
Ukraine air defense remains priority
EU member states agreed on the distribution of €6.6 billion from the European Peace Facility, with air defense remaining a key priority for Ukraine, Kallas said.
No new commitments for air-defense interceptors were made at Monday’s meeting.
Member states also agreed to begin a strategic review of the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine, including a proposal to extend the mission for another two years.
The EU plans to establish a coordination cell in Kyiv to focus on battlefield lessons and strengthen military education.
Red Sea mission seeks more capable vessels
Kallas said attacks and advances by Houthi forces had increased risks to shipping in the Red Sea, while the EU’s Operation Aspides had helped keep the waterway open.
She said the mission needs additional resources to improve its effectiveness.
Two EU member states have indicated they could provide additional vessels, Kallas said, while emphasizing that the operation requires not only more ships but vessels equipped with the capabilities needed for the mission.
Source:AA
