This Week in Defence — Brussels (#19, 2026)
Council extends restrictive measures on Syria; EU to sign protocol on terrorism definition; EIC selects EQT for €5bn Scaleup Fund; Arctic partnership talks in Greenland.
May 17, 2026 to May 23, 2026
Council extends restrictive measures on Syria; EU to sign protocol on terrorism definition; EIC selects EQT for €5bn Scaleup Fund; Arctic partnership talks in Greenland.
📋 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
- Informal meeting of foreign affairs ministers - Gymnich: On May 27, the EU Council's Informal meeting of foreign affairs ministers - Gymnich configuration is scheduled to hold an informal meeting ministerial meeting in Brussels.
European Commission
EU-Greenland strategic partnership expanded at Policy Dialogue in Nuuk
At a joint press conference in Nuuk on 19 May 2026, Commissioner Jozef Síkela addressed the outcomes of the EU-Greenland Policy Dialogue, marking the first visit to Greenland by an EU Commissioner. Síkela noted that the forthcoming updated EU Arctic Strategy is being developed in close consultation with Greenland and Arctic partners, integrating local input at every stage. The Commission underlined plans to propose nearly doubling the financial envelope for Greenland in the next EU budget cycle, from €225 million to €530 million, and referenced completed projects in digital connectivity and hydropower. Further investment initiatives, with a focus on education and responsible resource development, are under preparation for announcement by President von der Leyen later this year. The EU reiterated its commitment to a rules-based Arctic, resilient supply chains, and cooperation based on mutual benefit.
EIC appoints EQT to manage €5 Billion Scaleup Europe Fund for dual use and defence tech
The European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund Board has selected EQT as the preferred adviser to operate the €5 billion Scaleup Europe Fund, as announced on 17 May 2026. The Fund aims to address growth financing gaps for deep tech companies active in strategic sectors, including dual use technologies with clear relevance to European defence innovation. Structured under the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy, the initiative aligns public and private capital behind the objective of strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy and innovation base. The operational launch is expected in the coming weeks, with first investments anticipated for autumn 2026, following final approvals and onboarding of founding investors. This action supports wider EU efforts to retain and grow critical technology companies within Europe.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Council extends Syria sanctions regime to June 2027 and revises accountability provisions
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1105, adopted 18 May 2026, amends Decision 2013/255/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria. The Decision extends the regime until 1 June 2027, maintains restrictions on individuals connected to the former al-Assad regime, and updates mechanisms for listing and delisting persons. It reflects continued concerns regarding attempts to undermine Syria’s transitional authorities and the risk of renewed instability.
Council implements updates to Syria sanctions: delisting entities, amending persons
Council Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2026/1106, effective 18 May 2026, deletes seven entities from, and amends eleven persons on, the Syria sanctions list annexed to Decision 2013/255/CFSP. The changes follow a scheduled review process led by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
EU authorises signature of Protocol amending Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1132 of 18 May 2026 authorises the EU to sign the Protocol amending the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism. The Protocol updates the definition of 'terrorist offence', aligning it with Article 3 of Directive (EU) 2017/541 and supporting wider international legal cooperation.
EU Council
Competitiveness Council (Research and Space) to debate EU Space Act and science diplomacy
On 29 May 2026, research ministers will discuss science diplomacy and hold policy debates on the Horizon Europe 2028-2034 programme and the EU Space Act. Space policy discussions will focus on space for economic security.
Foreign Affairs Council to convene for informal Gymnich meeting
Foreign affairs ministers are scheduled to meet on 27 May 2026 for a Gymnich-format session.
EP Committee Work
SEDE subcommittee holds meeting on security and defence policy priorities
The Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) convened on 21 May 2026 in Strasbourg to review ongoing files in EU security and defence cooperation. The agenda included strategic discussions on military procurement and the impact of current EU legislative initiatives.
Draft report on Union support for internal security, 2028–2034, published in LIBE committee
On 19 May 2026, the LIBE committee released the draft report for the 'Proposal for a regulation establishing Union support for internal security for the period from 2028 to 2034'. The rapporteur is Assita Kanko.
Security and Defence Committee delegation to Canada to address supply chain and Arctic security
A European Parliament Security and Defence (SEDE) delegation, led by MEP Riho Terras, will visit Ottawa for talks on EU-Canada security cooperation, including industrial collaboration and Arctic security. Meetings with Canadian officials and participation at CANSEC are scheduled between 22 and 26 May 2026.
Budget committee visit to Poland focuses on EU defence spending and preparedness
A budgetary control delegation, led by MEP Janusz Lewandowski, visited Poland on 20 May 2026 to assess national defence investment and EU funding in light of heightened security risks. The programme covered meetings with government representatives, Frontex, and site visits to Rzeszów.
What We're Reading This Week
- Video. EU vows to stand firm on Russia as UK scrambles to explain sanctions: EU leaders pledge united resistance to Russian aggression, while the UK faces scrutiny over its handling of sanctions policy.
- Video. No, the US hasn't announced a total withdrawal of troops from Europe: U.S. military presence in Europe remains unchanged as officials refute claims of a complete troop withdrawal.
- The rise of supply chain warfare: Nations and companies are increasingly targeting supply chains as strategic assets in economic and geopolitical conflicts.
- Malaysia seeks €216m from Norwegian firm over scrapped missile deal: Malaysia demands €216 million in compensation from Norway's Kongsberg after canceling a major missile procurement contract.
- Defence | Euronews: European countries ramp up defense strategies amid heightened security concerns and calls for increased military cooperation.
