This Week in Defence — Brussels (#11, 2026)
SAFE defence funding for Czechia and France; AGILE defence innovation programme proposed; €34.6bn cohesion funds reallocated to defence, preparedness; EU-Australia security partnership signed; Norway joins EUNAVFOR ASPIDES.
March 22, 2026 to March 28, 2026
SAFE defence funding for Czechia and France; AGILE defence innovation programme proposed; €34.6bn cohesion funds reallocated to defence, preparedness; EU-Australia security partnership signed; Norway joins EUNAVFOR ASPIDES.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
SAFE approvals unlock defence funding for Czechia and France
The European Commission has approved national defence plans for Czechia (€2.06 billion) and France (€15.09 billion) under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative. The SAFE Regulation, adopted 27 May 2025 as part of the Readiness 2030 defence package, provides financial support to Member States for investment in strategic defence capabilities via joint procurement. Following the Commission's proposal, the Council has four weeks to adopt the implementing decisions. Once approved, loan agreements will be finalised and first payments are expected in April 2026. SAFE allows immediate scaling up of defence investments, with Ukraine and EFTA/EEA countries eligible for joint procurement. The instrument is designed to fill defence readiness gaps and facilitate coordinated European spending.
Commission presents €115 million AGILE defence innovation programme
The Commission has launched a new €115 million funding instrument, AGILE, aimed at accelerating disruptive defence innovation, with a focus on SMEs and start-ups. AGILE is designed to deliver rapid funding—targeting a time-to-grant of four months—and deploy new technologies into defence forces within 1-3 years. The programme will support 20-30 projects with up to 100% funding for eligible costs, including a retroactive clause for expenses incurred three months prior to application closure. Activities will cover mission-driven development and market delivery of defence products. AGILE is aligned with Member States' most urgent defence needs and complements existing tools such as the European Defence Fund and EU Defence Innovation Scheme. The Commission will present a Regulation to Parliament and Council for adoption, aiming for operational start in 2027.
€34.6 billion in cohesion policy funds reallocated to EU strategic priorities
Member States have reprogrammed €34.6 billion from 2021-2027 cohesion policy funds towards priorities including defence, civil preparedness, competitiveness, housing, water resilience, and energy connectivity. The Commission's April 2025 proposal, adopted by co-legislators in September 2025, encouraged fund reallocations via financial incentives and extended eligibility. The Commission approved amendments to 186 cohesion programmes in 25 Member States, representing nearly 10% of the total budget. €11.9 billion is designated for strengthening defence industrial capabilities, military mobility, and civil preparedness. Eastern border regions bordering Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine receive more favourable treatment, reflecting their strategic importance.
Commission responds to cyber-attack on Europa web platform
On 24 March, the Commission detected a cyber-attack targeting its Europa.eu cloud infrastructure. Immediate containment measures were implemented, and data notification procedures initiated for affected entities. Internal Commission systems were not impacted. The Commission continues to monitor the situation and is applying lessons learned to enhance cybersecurity capabilities. The NIS2 Directive, Cyber Solidarity Act, and Cybersecurity Regulation set the framework for EU cyber resilience, and a new Cybersecurity Package was introduced on 20 January 2026.
EU and Australia strengthen relations with Security and Defence Partnership and Trade Agreement
The EU and Australia have concluded a Security and Defence Partnership, signed virtually on 18 March 2026 by High Representative Kaja Kallas and Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, alongside a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) finalised during a leaders' meeting in Canberra on 24 March 2026. The SDP provides a framework for enhanced cooperation in crisis management, defence industry, cyber security, and countering hybrid threats. The FTA opens market access, removes tariffs, and secures critical raw materials trade. Both agreements will proceed through domestic ratification and procedures for entry into force.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Norway joins EU maritime security operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES
Political and Security Committee Decision (CFSP) 2026/745 of 24 March 2026 accepted Norway’s contribution to the EU maritime security operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, which safeguards freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. Norway is exempted from financial contributions to the operation’s budget. The decision follows recommendations from the EU Operation Commander and EU Military Committee. CELEX: 32026D0745.
Extension of mandate for Head of EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia
Political and Security Committee Decision (CFSP) 2026/754 of 24 March 2026 extends Ms Bettina Boughani’s mandate as Head of Mission of EUMM Georgia from 1 April 2026 to 14 December 2026. The mandate extension ensures continued EU monitoring presence. CELEX: 32026D0754.
Derogation for import of US ammunition boxes under EU phytosanitary rules
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/59 of 6 January 2026 establishes a derogation from Article 43(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 for import of wood packaging material in the form of ammunition boxes originating in the US, under control of the US Department of Defense and manufactured before 1 September 2007. The derogation applies until 31 December 2030. CELEX: 32026R0059.
EP Committee Work
REGI Committee meets EVP Fitto on eastern border regions and mid-term review
On 25 March 2026, the Committee on Regional Development held an extraordinary meeting with Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto to discuss the Commission’s communication on EU eastern regions bordering Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. The meeting addressed cohesion policy support, favourable financing conditions, and new platforms such as EastInvest. MEPs examined demographic, economic, and security challenges and reviewed mid-term cohesion policy adjustments targeting military mobility and defence industry investment.
SEDE Subcommittee opinion on Horizon Europe 2028-2034
The Security and Defence Subcommittee (SEDE) issued an opinion on the proposal for a regulation establishing Horizon Europe for 2028-2034, laying down rules for participation and dissemination and repealing Regulation (EU) 2021/695. Rapporteur Costas Mavrides addressed the inclusion of security and defence priorities in research and innovation, emphasising interoperability and industry engagement.
What We're Reading This Week
- Germany could help secure Hormuz, but once war ends — defence minister: Germany signals willingness to join international efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz, but only after current hostilities cease.
- Secret EU files at risk of AfD leaks to Kremlin, diplomats warn: European diplomats express concern that AfD members could share confidential EU documents with Russian officials, heightening security risks.
- Baltic states fear Ukraine war could spill over onto their territory: Baltic nations are increasing security measures amid rising concerns that Russia’s aggression in Ukraine could extend into their region.
- 'As soon as a peace agreement or ceasefire is reached in Ukraine, the Russians will be able to rebuild,' warns Sweden's chief of military operations: Sweden's top military official cautions that any pause in Ukraine fighting could allow Russia to quickly restore its military strength.
- Europe’s struggling auto sector eyes defense contract lifeline: European carmakers seek defense contracts to offset declining sales and secure new revenue amid ongoing industry challenges.
