Sudan: European Union funds Mine Action Programme to support recovery and safe returns

The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in Sudan has received new funding from the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI) to support mine action activities aimed at improving civilian safety, humanitarian access, and early recovery in conflict-affected Read More …

EU unveils €90 billion defence-focused loan to Ukraine

The European Commission formally presented a €90 billion loan package to Ukraine on Wednesday, as Brussels races to support Kyiv’s war effort amid increasingly fierce Russian attacks and US-led efforts to end the war. Two-thirds of the package will be Read More …

European Commission weighs creation of intelligence arm amid global tensions

The European Commission is considering setting up a dedicated intelligence cell to strengthen security amid geopolitical difficulties, an EU spokesperson said on Tuesday, adding that the initiative is still at an early stage. “We are in a challenging geopolitical and Read More …

Yemen: Fighting an invisible danger of landmines

Yemen remains one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. With deteriorating food security, soaring malnutrition rates, and recurring epidemic outbreaks, the country is on the brink of collapse. On top of Yemen’s many crises, landmines and explosive remnants of Read More …

EU Assistance to Ukraine

Over $70 billion in military assistance – ranging from ammunition to air-defense systems, Leopard tanks, and fighter jets. This includes an unprecedented $6.6 billion from the “European Peace Facility,” in addition to bilateral contributions by our Member States. On top Read More …

Rescue Borealis exercise boosted Europe’s preparedness for security threats

The heightened security situation highlights the need for preparedness in both the Baltic Sea and Euro-Arctic regions. This was the key message from the international Rescue Borealis 2025 field exercise held in Oulu this week. EU Commissioner responsible for preparedness, Read More …

Bosnia and Herzegovina Armed Forces cleared over 900,000 sq m of land in 2024 demining operations

The Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) cleared 903,326 square meters of land in 2024 as part of ongoing demining efforts, the BiH Ministry of Defense announced on Wednesday. In total, over 14.7 million square meters of land were Read More …

Bulgarian nationalists vandalise EU building in protest against plans to join eurozone

Police in Bulgaria’s capital have clashed with nationalist protesters who are demanding the government scrap plans to bring the country into the eurozone. Around 1,000 protesters gathered in front of the Sofia office of the European Commission, the European Union’s Read More …

Kenya: EU council gives Sh2.7 billion (€20 million) in first assistance measure for KDF

The Council of the European Union on Monday approved a Sh2.7 billion (€20 million) assistance measure under the European Peace Facility to enhance the operational capabilities of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). This measure, the first for the KDF, aims Read More …

Finland to send expert to support Ukraine in preparing for CBRN risks

Ukraine has requested assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism in preparing for threats related to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear agents. Finland responds to the request by sending an expert to join the EU’s international team. The Emergency Response Read More …

Europe battles gunpowder shortage amid Ukraine war

Hard-to-find gunpowder is hindering Europe’s scramble to provide hundreds of thousands of shells for Ukraine’s defensive effort against Russian invaders, with solutions only starting to emerge. Gunpowder goes into propellant charges that hurl artillery shells — such as the NATO-standard Read More …

EU funds further strategic reserves for medical, chemical, biological and radio-nuclear emergencies worth €690 million

The Commission is allocating today around €690 million to Czechia, Finland, France, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal and Romania to further develop the rescEU strategic reserves of medical and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) items. The reserves are part of the Read More …