This Week in Defence — Brussels (#20, 2026)
Commission proposes new mobile satellite services authorisation; Council adopts defence support measures for Albania and Lebanon; new Iran and Hamas sanctions; Parliament committees issue opinions on ECF defence fund.
May 24, 2026 to May 30, 2026
Commission proposes new mobile satellite services authorisation; Council adopts defence support measures for Albania and Lebanon; new Iran and Hamas sanctions; Parliament committees issue opinions on ECF defence fund.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission proposes new authorisation for mobile satellite services for EU's resilience and competitiveness
On 26 May 2026, the European Commission adopted a proposal for the selection of mobile satellite services (MSS) providers authorised to use the harmonised 2 GHz frequency band beyond 2027. The proposal establishes an EU-level selection procedure for spectrum assignment, dividing the band for governmental use—including critical communications, security and military—and commercial use for direct-to-device services. Integration with IRIS², the EU's Secure Connectivity programme, is mandated for governmental operators. The Regulation aligns with the Digital Networks Act proposal and incorporates feedback from the Radio Spectrum Policy Group and the 2025 targeted consultation. Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen underscored the connectivity and resilience aspects for both citizens and governmental services.
Read-out of the College orientation debate on EU-China relations
On 28 May 2026, the College of Commissioners held an orientation debate on EU-China relations, discussing the intertwined economic and security interests. The Commission maintained its 'de-risking, not decoupling' approach, noting that the sustainability of current trade and investment relations requires more robust responses. The debate will inform further work ahead of the G7 and European Council meetings in June, with implications for defence policy and security cooperation.
Remarks by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on the proposal on mobile satellite services
Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen delivered remarks on 26 May 2026 regarding the Commission's proposal on mobile satellite services. The 2 GHz band is highlighted as essential for satellite and terrestrial connectivity, underpinning critical communications for governmental and defence services. The proposal calls for a single EU-level authorisation, allocating one third of the band to governmental use and two thirds to commercial operators, with an emphasis on regulatory consistency and integration with IRIS².
Statement by President von der Leyen in Lithuania
On 25 May 2026, President Ursula von der Leyen issued a statement in Vilnius affirming EU solidarity with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania amid hybrid threats and air raid alerts. The Baltic states will receive EUR 12 billion under the SAFE instrument, with additional projects selected from the European Readiness Flagships. Cohesion funds have been redirected for defence preparedness and border surveillance, adapting existing EU tools to evolving security realities. The statement also referenced integrating Ukraine into Europe's defence-industrial strategy and the need for a protocol to address hybrid situations.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1170: Assistance measure under the European Peace Facility for the Lebanese Armed Forces
Adopted on 28 May 2026, Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1170 establishes a 48-month assistance measure under the European Peace Facility (EPF) for Lebanon, with EUR 100 million allocated. The measure finances non-lethal equipment and services—including border regiment support, drone systems, maritime surveillance, and counter-UAS—for the Lebanese Armed Forces. The decision outlines monitoring and post-shipment controls, and mandates compliance with international law.
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/1175: Amending restrictive measures against Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/1175, effective 28 May 2026, amends Regulation (EU) 2024/386 to extend restrictive measures to members of the Political Bureau of Hamas. The regulation introduces asset freezes and travel restrictions, unless evidence shows lack of influence over violent actions. This follows European Council conclusions and Decision (CFSP) 2026/1173.
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1173: Amending restrictive measures against Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1173, adopted on 28 May 2026, updates Decision (CFSP) 2024/385 by imposing restrictive measures—including travel bans and asset freezes—on the Politburo of Hamas. Ten individuals are added to the sanctions list, reflecting the Council's view of their responsibility for violent actions.
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1153: Assistance measure under the European Peace Facility for Albania
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1153, adopted 22 May 2026, establishes a 36-month assistance measure under the EPF for Albania with EUR 21 million. The scope includes tactical vehicles, engineering equipment, and training to enhance operational effectiveness and enable participation in EU defence operations.
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/1164: Amending restrictive measures regarding Iran’s military support to Russia and actions undermining freedom of navigation
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/1164, dated 22 May 2026, amends Regulation (EU) 2023/1529. The new provisions expand asset freeze criteria to cover persons supporting Iran’s actions undermining freedom of navigation in the Middle East, broadening the scope of sanctions.
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1157: Amending restrictive measures concerning Iran’s military support and freedom of navigation
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1157, adopted 22 May 2026, amends Decision (CFSP) 2023/1532. New sanctions target individuals and entities benefitting from Iran’s actions threatening maritime security, referencing UNSC Resolution 2817 (2026).
Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1147: Russia sanctions renewal
Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1147, dated 26 May 2026, updates identifying information and reasons for seven individuals listed under Regulation (EU) 2024/1485 concerning Russia. The amendments follow a review of existing restrictive measures.
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1149: Renewal of restrictive measures regarding Russia
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1149, adopted 26 May 2026, renews restrictive measures under Decision (CFSP) 2024/1484 until 28 May 2027. It also updates the Annex for seven persons subject to sanctions.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1116: Critical raw materials recovery listing
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1116, adopted 26 May 2026, lists products, components, and waste streams with relevant recovery potential under Regulation (EU) 2024/1252. The act provides reference for national circularity measures, excluding extractive waste.
Political and Security Committee Decision (CFSP) 2026/1178: Extension of EULEX Kosovo Head of Mission mandate
Political and Security Committee Decision (CFSP) 2026/1178, dated 13 May 2026, extends Giovanni Pietro Barbano’s mandate as Head of Mission for EULEX Kosovo from 15 to 25 June 2026.
Political and Security Committee Decision (CFSP) 2026/1180: Appointment of Head of Mission for EUAM Ukraine
Political and Security Committee Decision (CFSP) 2026/1180, adopted 28 May 2026, extends Rolf Michael Hay Pereira Holmboe’s mandate as Head of Mission for EUAM Ukraine to 30 June 2026 and appoints Cornelia Taylor as Head of Mission from 1 July 2026 to 31 May 2027.
EU Council
Foreign Affairs Council informal meeting (Gymnich)
Foreign Affairs ministers met informally on 27 May 2026 to discuss current security and defence matters.
Competitiveness Council (Research and Space)
On 29 May 2026, ministers adopted a recommendation on science diplomacy and debated the Horizon Europe 2028-2034 programme. Space policy discussions included the EU space act and the role of space in economic security.
EP Committee Work
EMPL Committee Opinion on European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) for defence research and innovation
On 28 May 2026, the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) published its opinion, rapporteur Grégory Allione, on the proposed regulation establishing the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF). The opinion covers defence research and innovation activities and addresses amendments and repeals to several existing regulations.
SANT Committee Opinion on European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) for defence research and innovation
The Committee on Public Health (SANT), rapporteur Radan Kanev, issued its opinion on 27 May 2026 concerning the ECF, including its defence research and innovation component. The opinion considers the regulation's health and environmental implications for defence procurement.
SEDE Committee Press Release: EU-Canada defence and security cooperation
On 28 May 2026, the Security and Defence Committee (SEDE) delegation led by Vice-Chair Riho Terras (EPP, Estonia) welcomed commitments from Canadian officials for continued support to Ukraine and deeper defence-industrial cooperation. Discussions involved joint arms procurement, sanctions alignment, Arctic security, and critical raw materials.
BUDG Committee Press Release: Defence spending discussions in Poland
Budgets Committee (BUDG) delegation concluded a visit to Poland on 28 May 2026, meeting with senior officials and discussing EU budget support for Ukraine, regional security, and the Medevac programme at Rzeszów Airport, a hub for aid logistics.
What We're Reading This Week
- The Øresund Strait, the new frontier in Russia’s hybrid war against NATO: Russia intensifies hybrid tactics in the Øresund Strait, raising security concerns for NATO and Baltic region stability.
- Tehran denies US claims of extension to Iran war ceasefire: Iran refutes U.S. assertions about prolonging the war ceasefire, signaling ongoing uncertainty in regional diplomacy efforts.
- Opinie | Smart tech is making war a dumber choice: Advances in smart technology are increasing the costs and risks of conflict, making war a less attractive option for nations.
- America’s way of war isn’t working: U.S. military strategies face criticism amid ongoing challenges and failures to achieve lasting success in recent conflicts.
- Von der Leyen gears up for fight over China trade ties: EU chief Ursula von der Leyen prepares to confront mounting tensions within Europe over economic relations with China.
