This Week in Defence — Brussels (#14, 2026)
Council schedules Defence FAC; Parliament committees scrutinise defence fund regulation; SEDE issues opinion on defence R&I; MFF debate includes defence funding.
April 12, 2026 to April 18, 2026
Council schedules Defence FAC; Parliament committees scrutinise defence fund regulation; SEDE issues opinion on defence R&I; MFF debate includes defence funding.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET): On April 20, the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings; Structured Dialogue on the Commission Work Programme: Exchange of views with Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement.
- Foreign Affairs Council: On April 21, the EU Council's Foreign Affairs Council configuration is scheduled to hold an ministerial meeting in Brussels.
EU Council
Upcoming Foreign Affairs Council (Defence) to address Ukraine and EU military readiness
The Foreign Affairs Council with defence ministers is scheduled for 12 May 2026. The agenda will include EU military support for Ukraine, following an informal exchange with Ukrainian representatives and the NATO Deputy Secretary General. Ministers will review the situation in the Middle East and its implications for EU security and defence. Defence readiness and the outcomes of the updated EU threat analysis are also on the agenda. Prior to the Council meeting, High Representative Kaja Kallas will chair the European Defence Agency Steering Board.
EP Committee Work
SEDE adopts opinion on European Competitiveness Fund with focus on defence research
The Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) adopted its opinion on 17 April 2026 regarding the proposal for a regulation establishing the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), which includes a specific programme for defence research and innovation activities. Rapporteur Riho Terras (EPP, Estonia) oversaw the opinion. The document addresses the repeal of several existing regulations—(EU) 2021/522, (EU) 2021/694, (EU) 2021/697, (EU) 2021/783—and amendments to others, notably (EU) 2021/696 and (EU) 2023/588. The opinion places particular attention on the integration of defence research within the broader competitiveness framework.
SEDE issues opinion on Connecting Europe Facility regulation for 2028-2034, including military mobility
On 17 April 2026, SEDE adopted its opinion on the proposal for a regulation establishing the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) for 2028–2034. Rapporteur Riho Terras contributed to the document, which considers the inclusion of defence-related elements, notably military mobility and dual-use transport infrastructure. The opinion addresses amendments to Regulation (EU) 2024/1679, the repeal of Regulation (EU) 2021/1153, and provisions for supporting cross-border infrastructure relevant to defence objectives.
SEDE holds committee meeting on Security and Defence policy developments
The Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) convened in Brussels on 14 April 2026 for a regular meeting. The agenda focused on current developments in EU security and defence, cooperation with NATO, and EU military procurement frameworks. Members discussed the implementation status of ongoing defence cooperation initiatives and preparations for upcoming Council discussions.
What We're Reading This Week
- Four wars, but not forearmed: Despite facing multiple conflicts, leaders remain unprepared for future security challenges and resource demands.
- Germany’s €2B battlefield digitalization system runs into trouble: Technical and integration issues threaten delays and cost overruns for Germany’s ambitious battlefield digitalization initiative.
- Starmer’s piecemeal plan to arm Britain: Keir Starmer outlines incremental defense proposals, signaling a cautious approach to strengthening the UK's military capabilities.
