This Week in Defence — Brussels (#25, 2026)
Commission budgets €325m for joint defence projects; First €3.9bn drone disbursement for Ukraine; Council formalises sanctions for chemical weapons use.
June 28, 2026 to July 04, 2026
Commission budgets €325m for joint defence projects; First €3.9bn drone disbursement for Ukraine; Council formalises sanctions for chemical weapons use.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission proposes five joint defence projects to strengthen Europe's industrial capabilities
On 2 July 2026, the European Commission proposed five new large-scale European Defence Projects of Common Interest (EDPCIs) aimed at bolstering EU Member States' joint capabilities through the €1.5 billion European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), with €325 million allocated for the projects' establishment and deployment. The industrial focus includes drones and counter-drone systems, maritime and seabed defence, space, air and missile defence, and reinforcing security along the Union's eastern flank. Eighteen Member States participate in each project on average, with Ukraine joining four. The Commission will monitor progress and support coordination among participants. The Council will discuss the formal establishment of the EDPCIs, their objectives, and investment volumes ahead of Council adoption, which triggers EU funding eligibility. The EDIP Regulation (adopted 16 December 2025) governs these initiatives, designed to advance Europe's defence technology, procurement cooperation, and supply chain resilience.
Commission disburses €3.9 billion for drones under the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan
Starting 29 June 2026, the Commission began disbursement of €3.9 billion to Ukraine, initiating a tranche for drone procurement under the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan (USL). This first tranche is part of a €6 billion package to enhance Ukraine’s defence capabilities, augmenting a previous €3.2 billion Macro-Financial Assistance disbursed on 25 June. The regulatory basis is Regulation (EU) 2026/467, adopted in February 2026, which provides €60 billion for defence capacity and €30 billion for budgetary aid through 2026–2027. Allocations follow Ukraine’s payment requests and contract verification requirements. Subsequent disbursements will include procurement for ammunition and air defence, subject to agreed conditions and ongoing monitoring. Since February 2022, EU and Member State support to Ukraine totals €211.3 billion.
Joint Press Release by Türkiye's FM Hakan Fidan, HR/VP Kaja Kallas, and EU Commissioners Marta Kos and Magnus Brunner following their meeting in Ankara
On 30 June 2026, Türkiye's Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, EU High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas, Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, and Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner met in Ankara. The meeting reviewed EU-Türkiye cooperation on economic, security, migration, and foreign policy. Both sides reiterated their shared interest in regional stability, continued efforts supporting Ukraine, and the importance of enhanced coordination to address geopolitical security challenges and multilateral cooperation. Dialogue on Customs Union modernisation, industrial policy, and cross-border movements was advanced, with further high-level rounds scheduled for later in the year.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Restrictive measures against the proliferation and use of chemical weapons: New listings related to Navalny case
Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1541 of 3 July 2026 amends Regulation (EU) 2018/1542 to include six new individuals in the list subject to restrictive measures. The action responds to the confirmed poisoning of Alexei Navalny and the presence of epibatidine as the probable cause of death, in line with Article 12(1) of the base regulation.
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1542 updates restrictive measures for chemical weapons
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1542 of 3 July 2026 amends Decision (CFSP) 2018/1544 to add six persons to the sanctions list related to the proliferation and use of chemical weapons. The measure follows the same facts and motivation as the parallel Regulation (EU) 2026/1541.
Canada, United States, and Japan gain reciprocal access under Ukraine Facility
Commission Implementing Decisions (EU) 2026/1442 (Canada), 2026/1441 (United States), and 2026/1449 (Japan) approve requests for reciprocal access to procurement and grant award procedures under the Ukraine Facility established by Regulation (EU) 2024/792. Access is granted for one year from 23 July 2026 following confirmation of similar levels of support to Ukraine.
eur-lex.europa.eu | eur-lex.europa.eu | eur-lex.europa.eu
Council Decision on EEA Joint Committee: Defence industry and space
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1511 of 25 June 2026 sets the EU position on amending Protocol 31 to the EEA Agreement, enabling cooperation on the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), as per Regulation (EU) 2025/2643.
EU Council
Upcoming: Informal meeting of competitiveness ministers (internal market and industry)
The Competitiveness Council will hold an informal meeting on 9 July 2026. Ministers are scheduled to exchange on industrial policy matters.
Upcoming: Foreign Affairs Council to address Russia/Ukraine and the Middle East
The Foreign Affairs Council, meeting on 13 July 2026, will discuss the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East, including implications of the Iran conflict and progress on the Black Sea strategy.
EP Committee Work
SEDE — Subcommittee on Security and Defence: Meeting of 29 June 2026
The Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) held a meeting in Brussels on 29 June 2026 focusing on developments in security and defence policy. The agenda covered coordination of Member States' contributions to EU security initiatives, with discussions on industry cooperation and ongoing military procurement challenges.
ITRE report: Regulation establishing the Programme for agile and rapid defence innovation (AGILE)
The Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), led by rapporteur Tonino Picula, published a report (A-10-2026-0188) on 29 June 2026 regarding the proposed regulation establishing the AGILE programme. The AGILE programme aims to support streamlined defence innovation for rapid capability development within the EU.
What We're Reading This Week
- Starmer's defense investment plan draws criticism: Labour leader Keir Starmer faces backlash over proposed increases in defense spending amid concerns about budget priorities.
- Newsletter: EU-Turkey relations in spotlight ahead of NATO summit: Diplomatic tensions and key policy issues between the EU and Turkey are intensifying just before the upcoming NATO summit.
- Andy Burnham commits to find billions to fill UK’s defense black hole: Andy Burnham pledges to secure significant funding to address the UK’s military budget shortfall amid growing security concerns.
- Nato Ankara summit to test if EU can rearm fast enough as US demands more ‘burden‑shifting’: EU faces pressure to boost defense capabilities amid US calls for greater military contributions ahead of the key NATO summit.
- Burnham’s first test: fix UK’s ‘national embarrassment’ defence to reassure Nato: Labour faces urgent pressure to restore the UK's depleted military strength and reinforce its commitment to NATO allies.
