This Week in Defence — Brussels (#17, 2026)
EU-Jordan €135m partnership; UK–EU defence loan talks; Commission backs Lithuanian defence bank; ECF opinions in committees; Council adopts Sudan, Senegal security decisions.
May 03, 2026 to May 09, 2026
EU-Jordan €135m partnership; UK–EU defence loan talks; Commission backs Lithuanian defence bank; ECF opinions in committees; Council adopts Sudan, Senegal security decisions.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Foreign Affairs Council: On May 11, the EU Council's Foreign Affairs Council configuration is scheduled to hold an ministerial meeting in Brussels.
- Foreign Affairs Council (Defence): On May 12, the EU Council's Foreign Affairs Council (Defence) configuration is scheduled to hold an ministerial meeting in Brussels.
European Commission
EU and Jordan sign €135 million financing agreements to advance strategic partnership
On 6 May 2026, Commissioner Dubravka Šuica signed €135 million in financing agreements with Jordan's Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Zeina Toukan. The agreements strengthen cooperation in education, border management, security, and support for Syrian refugees, as part of the EU-Jordan Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership (SCP) established in January 2025. Funding includes €30 million for technical and vocational education, €25 million for integrated border management, and €80 million for refugee support. The SCP is backed by €3 billion from the EU (2025–2027), covering grants and investments. Additional support for the Aqaba Digital Hub is provided through a €12.3 million loan guaranteed by the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus.
Joint statement: EU–UK deepen defence industrial ties at EPC summit
On 3 May 2026, President Ursula von der Leyen and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer released a joint statement at the European Political Community summit in Armenia. The leaders discussed UK participation in the EU’s €90 billion Ukraine support loan, marking progress in EU–UK defence industrial cooperation. Negotiations will begin on UK involvement in the European Innovation Council Fund and the Scaleup Europe Fund, targeting support for high-growth tech businesses. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine and anticipated further collaboration at the upcoming EU–UK summit.
Commission approves €800 million State aid for Lithuanian development bank supporting defence sector
On 4 May 2026, the European Commission approved €813 million in capital injections and €15 million per year in tax exemptions to Investicijos į Lietuvos ekonomiką ('ILTE'), Lithuania’s development bank. The measures will support sectors facing market failures, including defence, digital, and social infrastructure. The Commission assessed the notification under Article 107(3)(c) TFEU, finding the aid necessary, proportionate, and limited to bridging market gaps. Lithuania committed to safeguarding competition and restricting ILTE’s activities to relevant market failures. The non-confidential decision will be published under case number SA.120268.
President von der Leyen calls for accelerated EU military production and supply chain partnerships
On 3 May 2026, Ursula von der Leyen addressed the European Political Community in Armenia, stressing the need for greater independence in energy, defence, and supply chains. She highlighted overdependence on imported fuels and called for increased military capability investments. The President referenced recently concluded free trade agreements with Latin America, India, and Australia, noting their importance for reliable supply chains in defence and security.
President von der Leyen: €800 billion mobilisation for EU defence and credible deterrence
During a panel at the European Political Community Summit on 3 May 2026, Ursula von der Leyen described a mobilisation of up to €800 billion until 2030 to address EU security and defence gaps. The President emphasised the importance of building deterrence and intensifying partnerships with like-minded countries. She detailed progress in free trade agreements and the role of homegrown energy in European independence.
Eurobarometer survey shows record support for common EU defence policy
On 7 May 2026, the Commission released results from Eurobarometer 105 (spring 2026), showing 81% support for a common EU defence and security policy. Three quarters of respondents believe their country benefits from EU membership, and 76% agree that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine threatens EU security. The survey highlights strong backing for continued EU support to Ukraine, including military assistance. Security and defence rank second among EU budget investment priorities.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1028: €15 million support for Senegalese Armed Forces under European Peace Facility
On 5 May 2026, Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1028 (CELEX: 32026D1028) established a €15 million assistance measure under the European Peace Facility for Senegal. The measure will finance operational, educational, and mobility equipment for the National Navy and Naval Academy, aiming to strengthen security and defence cooperation and support maritime security. The duration is set for 36 months, with implementation by Fundación para la Internacionalización de las Administraciones Públicas.
Council Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2026/1049: New restrictive measures in Sudan
On 7 May 2026, Council Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2026/1049 (CELEX: 32026D1049) amended Decision 2014/450/CFSP, adding three persons to the list subject to EU restrictive measures following UN Security Council action. The decision enters into force upon publication in the Official Journal.
EU Council
Foreign Affairs Council (Defence): Ministers discuss military support to Ukraine and EU defence readiness
On 12 May 2026, the Foreign Affairs Council with defence ministers held discussions on EU military support for Ukraine, the impact of Middle East developments on EU defence, and defence readiness. The European Defence Agency Steering Board, chaired by High Representative Kaja Kallas, convened prior to the meeting.
Foreign Affairs Council reviews EU threat analysis and regional security
On 11 May 2026, the Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on Russia’s war in Ukraine, the Middle East conflict, and EU relations with Western Balkans partners. Ministers were briefed on the updated EU threat analysis and participated in high-level dialogues on Ukrainian children and Syria.
EP Committee Work
SEDE: Priorities for Ukraine Support Loan defence pillar and EU-NATO hybrid warfare coordination
On 6–7 May 2026, the Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) reviewed EU military support to Ukraine, including priorities for the €60 billion defence pillar of the Ukraine Support Loan, with input from Herald Ruijters, Deputy Director-General at DG DEFIS. The agenda also covered EU-NATO coordination on deterring Russia’s hybrid warfare attacks.
EMPL adopts opinion on European Competitiveness Fund, including defence research and innovation
On 6 May 2026, the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) adopted its opinion on the proposed European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), including the specific programme for defence research and innovation activities. Rapporteur Grégory Allione (Renew) led the draft opinion, with amendments tabled by 10 March 2026.
REGI adopts opinion on ECF regulation: focus on defence innovation
On 7 May 2026, the Committee on Regional Development (REGI) adopted its opinion on the proposal for a regulation establishing the European Competitiveness Fund, including defence research and innovation. Rapporteur Dan Barna detailed provisions for repealing and amending several existing regulations.
SANT opinion on ECF regulation covers defence research activities
On 6 May 2026, the Committee on Health (SANT) adopted its opinion on the ECF regulation, with rapporteur Radan Kanev focusing on the inclusion of defence research and innovation activities. The opinion reviews the proposed repeal and amendment of existing related regulations.
ENVI opinion on ECF regulation highlights defence research
On 5 May 2026, the Committee on Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI), led by rapporteur Stine Bosse, adopted its opinion on the ECF regulation, incorporating the defence research and innovation programme.
AGRI opinion on ECF regulation addresses defence innovation
On 5 May 2026, the Committee on Agriculture (AGRI) adopted its opinion on the ECF regulation, focusing on defence research and innovation activities. Rapporteur Carlo Fidanza reviewed the impact on agriculture and cross-sector innovation.
ECON opinion on ECF regulation: defence research aspects
On 5 May 2026, the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) adopted its opinion on the ECF regulation, with rapporteur Danuše Nerudová analysing provisions for defence research and innovation.
SEDE draft report: Hybrid warfare and protection of EU critical defence infrastructure
On 8 May 2026, the SEDE Subcommittee released a draft report on hybrid warfare and the protection of the EU’s territorial integrity and critical security and defence infrastructure. Rapporteur Rasa Juknevičienė outlined recommendations for safeguarding infrastructure against hybrid threats.
What We're Reading This Week
- Merz says Europe wants a strong NATO and shares US goal of ending Iran war: Merz affirms Europe's commitment to NATO and alignment with the U.S. in seeking an end to the Iran conflict.
- Rheinmetall to start producing cruise missiles as early as this year: Rheinmetall is accelerating plans to manufacture cruise missiles, aiming to bolster European defense capabilities amid rising security concerns.
- Turkey unveils new missile touted as able to hit US mainland: Turkey reveals a long-range missile capability, signaling a significant expansion of its strategic military reach and deterrence.
- Drone start-up Helsing set for $18bn valuation as investors pile into defence: Helsing's soaring valuation signals surging investor confidence in defence tech amid growing demand for advanced military innovation.
- Meloni -Trump tensions tested, can the US - Italy alliance hold?: Strained relations between Meloni and Trump raise concerns about the future stability of the US-Italy alliance.
