This Week in Defence — Brussels (#23, 2026)
Sanctions on Russia expanded; new security measures for Ukraine and Moldova; EU-Canada defence procurement agreement; cybersecurity and ammunition stockpile initiatives adopted.
June 14, 2026 to June 20, 2026
Sanctions on Russia expanded; new security measures for Ukraine and Moldova; EU-Canada defence procurement agreement; cybersecurity and ammunition stockpile initiatives adopted.
📋 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
- Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET): On June 22, the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings; Ukraine Support Loan Dialogue - Exchange of views with the Commission.
- Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE): On June 22, the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings; Ukraine Support Loan Dialogue - Exchange of views with the Commission.
- Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE): On June 22, the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, following the Military Committee in Chiefs of Defence Session on 19 May 2026; Chair’s announcements; Chair’s announcements concerning coordinators’ decisions.
- Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET): On June 23, the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Political, Economic and Cooperation Strategic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the United Mexican States, of the other part; Date of next meetings.
- Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE): On June 23, the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings.
- Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE): On June 23, the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, following the Military Committee in Chiefs of Defence Session on 19 May 2026; Chair’s announcements; Chair’s announcements concerning coordinators’ decisions.
- Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE): On June 23, the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Amending Council Directive 96/53/EC laying down for certain road vehicles circulating within the Community the maximum authorised dimensions in national and international traffic and the maximum authorised weights in international traffic; Chair’s announcements.
- Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET): On June 24, the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Coordinators’ meeting; Date of next meetings.
- Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE): On June 24, the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Acceleration of permit-granting for defence readiness projects; Amending Directives 2009/43/EC and 2009/81/EC, as regards the simplification of intra-EU transfers of defence-related products and the simplification of security and defence procurement; Chair’s announcements.
- Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET): On June 25, the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Coordinators’ meeting; Date of next meetings.
European Commission
Commission Outlines EU Defence, Sanctions and Financial Priorities Following June 2026 European Council
At a joint press conference on 18 June 2026, President von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa addressed security policy in the context of Ukraine. The Commission confirmed the formal rollover of Russian sanctions for 12 months and discussed preparations for a 21st sanctions package. The European Council also reached agreement on the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) architecture, and von der Leyen noted advances in negotiations on a common European returns system and air passenger rights. On EU defence and security, von der Leyen reported continued measures to support Ukraine, including the disbursement of a EUR 90 billion loan, and highlighted the progress on air defence coordination and EU “drone wall” initiatives. The Commission will present new tools, such as a diversification instrument, to bolster competitiveness and defence resilience.
G7 Summit Discusses International Security, Defence, Emerging Threats
G7 leaders, meeting in Evian on 16–17 June 2026, exchanged views on global security challenges including Ukraine, emerging threats to critical infrastructure, and the role of new technologies. The adopted joint statements included commitments to align on security support and resilience across NATO and EU partners. Public health, migration, drug trafficking, economic stability, and technology were also reviewed by the Commission and international partners.
Annual Management and Performance Report Details EU Budget Impact on Defence and Security in 2025
On 15 June 2026, the Commission published its Annual Management and Performance Report for 2025, citing a significant allocation of the budget toward competitiveness and defence. The Security Action for Europe programme issued up to EUR 150 billion in loans, with EUR 400 million allocated to defence innovation and over EUR 1 billion committed under the European Defence Fund. The Act in Support of Ammunition Production assisted 31 projects, distributing more than EUR 500 million for increased production capacity.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
EU and Canada Formalise Defence Industrial Procurement Under SAFE Instrument
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1381 of 15 June 2026 concludes the agreement on participation of Canadian legal entities and products in EU defence procurement via the SAFE Instrument. This move, effective with its publication, enables Canadian industry to access certain EU security and defence contracts, marking formalised bilateral cooperation. The agreement has been provisionally applied since April 2026.
EU Authorises Cybersecurity Reserve Support to Ukraine
Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1354, dated 15 June 2026, authorises use of the EU Cybersecurity Reserve to support Ukraine. The legal act responds to cyberattacks on Ukrainian critical infrastructure and applies the mechanisms provided in Regulation (EU) 2025/38, the Cyber Solidarity Act. The support will be in place for one year from publication.
Digital Solutions for Ammunition Stockpile Security in Neighbourhood Countries
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1338 of 15 June 2026 approves a EUR 1 million project supporting ammunition stockpile management in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Moldova. The Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) will implement AIMS/SIMS digital tools to improve security and traceability of stockpiles, with Switzerland as a co-funder.
Assistance Measure for Armed Forces of Chad Amended
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1345 of 15 June 2026 amends a prior decision on European Peace Facility assistance to the Chadian armed forces. The update changes the project’s geographical scope to reflect the relocation of the national academy and confirms that Économat des Armées is the implementing partner.
Support for Beninese Armed Forces Extended
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1346, adopted 15 June 2026, extends the duration of the assistance measure for the Beninese Armed Forces by six months, to January 2027. The measure grants additional time to implement military support through the European Peace Facility.
EU Council
European Council Discusses Defence, Ukraine, and Security Policy
At its meeting on 18 June 2026, the European Council assessed topics including support for Ukraine, EU defence, security, migration, enlargement, and relations with Moldova and the Western Balkans.
Foreign Affairs Council Considers Ukraine, Middle East, and China
On 15 June 2026, Ministers reviewed security developments in Ukraine, the Middle East, and EU-China relations, and held informal exchange with Armenia’s foreign minister.
EP Committee Work
INTA, AFET, BUDG, SEDE Committees Debate Ukraine Loan and Defence Support
On 19 June 2026, the International Trade (INTA), Foreign Affairs (AFET), Budgets (BUDG), and Security and Defence (SEDE) committees jointly reviewed the EUR 90 billion Ukraine Support Loan. Commission representatives briefed MEPs on the loan’s role in supporting Ukraine’s military capabilities, recovery, and EU accession progress.
European Parliament Condemns Russian Drone Incursions, Urges Defence Coordination
On 18 June 2026, a joint press statement from AFET and SEDE addressed the Parliament’s resolution on Russian drone and airspace violations. The resolution notes coordinated Russian hybrid operations and calls for improved military equipment production for Ukraine, enhanced cooperation with Moldova, and funding increases via the European Peace Facility, as well as deeper EU-NATO defence integration.
What We're Reading This Week
- EU Parliament rejects member states’ first draft of long-term budget: Lawmakers in the European Parliament demand revisions after dismissing the initial proposal for the bloc's long-term budget.
- How to navigate Ireland’s EU presidency policy agenda like a pro: Experts outline strategies for effectively engaging with Ireland's priorities and influencing policy during its EU presidency.
- NATO's Rutte heads to Washington to shore up alliance unity: NATO Secretary General Rutte visits Washington to reinforce alliance cohesion amid rising global security concerns.
- Video. Hegseth says Europe must take the lead on building 'NATO 3.0': Pete Hegseth urges European nations to assume greater responsibility in shaping NATO's future strategy and defense posture.
- Patriot, IRIS-T, Flamingo: Germany's long-range weapons gap: Germany faces increased security risks as existing air defense systems reveal critical gaps in long-range missile coverage.
