Issue 103
February 2022
ISSN 2315-0017
EU Newsflash
- 15 February 2022: The European Commission unveils significant actions to contribute to European Defence, boost innovation and address strategic dependencies
Spotlight on European defence
EU Member States share common challenges, prospects and interests. In her 2021 State of the Union address, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, called for the European Union to take the next step in its work on defence, moving from a ‘defence ecosystem’ to a genuine ‘European defence union’. This means scaling up defence policy, long considered the reserved domain of the Member States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, and making it a joint pursuit of European defence sovereignty.
The past decade has brought intensified efforts towards greater EU cooperation on defence and security matters in view of newly emerging geopolitical challenges and cybersecurity threats. In 2016, the EU’s global strategy was adopted, paving the way for ambitious policy initiatives, notably the European Defence Fund, which will support collaborative defence research and development, and the creation of a Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space. In 2020, an initiative for a strategic compass for the EU was unveiled, aiming to provide additional guidance for EU security and defence. Furthermore, a European Peace Facility was created.
A new chapter is opening now. In his address at the European Defence Agency annual conference, the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, declared that ‘2022 will be the year of European defence’. The EU strategic compass is expected to be finalised, including a common threat analysis combining Member States’ views on threats and challenges. This year will also be marked by a summit on European defence, organised in cooperation with the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union. ‘It is time for Europe to step up to the next level,’ said the Commission President when announcing the summit, emphasising that the EU must be ready to do more with its own resources.
This edition of our newsletter features EU publications on defence and security, along with ones on other interesting topics.
Strategic Compass PDF/Paper
New bearings for EU security and defence?
Over the past 20 years the European Union has enhanced its role as a security and defence actor. However, in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment, the EU faces new threats and security challenges, and this calls for a unified, robust and far-reaching approach from the EU and its Member States. The strategic compass, to be adopted in March 2022, covers the 2025–2030 time frame and envisages strengthened security and defence measures in the areas of crisis management, resilience, capability development and partnerships.
Available in English
The European Union Institute for Security Studies yearbook of European security PDF/Paper
2021
This publication provides an annual overview of events that are significant for European security. It also charts major developments in the EU’s external action, security and defence policy. This edition also contains a specific section on the EU’s multilateral efforts and response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Available in English
Defence Industry Cooperation in the European Union PDF
Rationale, initiatives, achievements and challenges: in-depth analysis
Offering an overview of cooperation in the EU defence industry, this paper aims to answer questions such as: what EU action has been taken in this domain and which laws apply? Is the European Defence Fund a game changer? What has the EU defence industry achieved, and what challenges does it face? Will the EU be able to successfully enhance economic cooperation in the defence sector?
Available in English, French and German
European Defence Matters PDF
Issue #21, 2021
The European defence magazine, run by the European Defence Agency, reviews the latest developments in the areas of security and defence. This particular issue focuses on support tools and services developed to support common security and defence policy operations. It examines how they came about, where and how they are currently used and how they could be further developed in the future.
Available in English
The European space sector as an enabler of EU strategic autonomy PDF
In-depth analysis
Today, the European Union can boast a degree of strategic autonomy in space. Projects such as Galileo have not only enhanced the EU’s economy, they may also confer on the EU the ability to amplify its common foreign and security policy and common security and defence policy. The EU needs to develop ways to ensure that it maintains its strategic autonomy in space. This publication further examines the topic.
Available in English
Mapping Threats to Peace and Democracy Worldwide PDF
Normandy index 2021
The Normandy index is intended to measure the level of threats to peace, security and democracy around the world. This publication presents the findings of the 2021 exercise and explains how the index can be used to compare peace across countries and regions. It is complemented by 51 individual country case studies.
Available in English, French and German
Research and innovation
Data Protection: New technologies to protect privacy PDF
(Research*eu)
The Research*eu magazine brings you the results of EU-funded research and innovation. In the special feature on this issue, you will read about innovative technologies and solutions to protect data privacy.
Available in English (Individual article also available in English, French, German, Italian, Polish and Spanish on the CORDIS website)
Also out recently
EU Solidarity with Ukraine PDF/Paper
The EU remains steadfast in its commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and is further stepping up its support to Ukraine, both in the immediate and in the medium term. Read more about the EU’s position towards Ukraine in this factsheet.
Available in all official languages of the EU and Russian
European Investment Bank Investment Survey 2021 PDF
European Union overview
This publication offers an insight into the corporate investment landscape in the European Union by examining companies’ finance needs and the constraints they face. The 2021 edition delves into the massive shock produced by the COVID-19 crisis and the response and recovery programmes put in place by the EU and national governments. It also assesses the extent to which European firms are addressing the need to make their businesses more green and digital.
Available in English
Future of Europe PDF
Report
This report presents the results of a special Eurobarometer survey on the future of Europe, which was carried out between 16 September and 17 October 2021 in the 27 EU Member States. It presents a snapshot of the way EU citizens perceive the EU – its assets, challenges, values and future.
Available in English, French and German
You may also like
European Intellectual Property Helpdesk Factsheet PDF
Copyright is an intellectual property right that grants authors, artists, and other creators protection for their literary, artistic and scientific creations, also known as ‘works’. Whether you are a copyright owner or user, the understanding of copyright basics is crucial to any business. This factsheet illustrates the importance of copyright protection for businesses and provides insights into the copyright regime, which can be particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Available in English
Restore our Ocean and Waters PDF
What’s in it for me?
The European Commission has launched five EU missions. These are broad mobilisation initiatives bringing together and going beyond the existing instruments, aimed at bringing concrete solutions to some of the greatest challenges of our time. This leaflet presents the ‘Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030’ mission, intended to help protect our oceans, seas and waters.
Available in English
Our news
EU Datathon 2022 launched: demonstrate your creativity and make a difference for the EU and the world!
The EU Datathon, the annual open data competition, was launched on 7 February. This brings a chance for open data enthusiasts and solution seekers from around the world to demonstrate the potential of open data, get international visibility for their innovative ideas and compete for their share of the total prize fund of EUR 200 000. To participate, you need to submit your idea by 31 March. Visit the EU Datathon website to find out more. Follow the event on Twitter (@EU_opendata) with the hashtag #EUDatathon.
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