This Week in Defence — Brussels (#27, 2026)
EU-Ukraine defence partnership moves forward; New AGILE defence innovation programme agreed; Moldova and Philippines secure new Peace Facility support; Major Russia sanctions updated.
July 12, 2026 to July 18, 2026
EU-Ukraine defence partnership moves forward; New AGILE defence innovation programme agreed; Moldova and Philippines secure new Peace Facility support; Major Russia sanctions updated.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
EU and Ukraine launch Defence Industrial Partnership and Drone Deal
The European Commission and Ukraine signed a defence industrial partnership on 14 July 2026, aiming to integrate their defence industries and accelerate joint production. The agreement also included the launch of the EU–Ukraine Drone Deal to promote cooperation on drones and counter-drone technologies, backed by a newly disbursed €1 billion from the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan. The partnership prioritises joint production of drones and counter-drone systems by end-2026, and aims to expand to anti-ballistic missiles by 2028. Ukrainian companies are now associated with the European Defence Fund (EDF) and the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), permitting full participation in EU-funded defence R&D projects. The Commission approved a €10 billion allocation for further defence procurement, underlining ongoing EU commitment to Ukraine’s security and industrial integration.
Commission launches EU-Ukraine Drone Alliance with 18 founding members
On 16 July 2026, the Commission officially launched the EU-Ukraine Drone Alliance at the third EU–Ukraine Defence Industry Forum in Kyiv. The Alliance brings together firms and research institutions from the EU and Ukraine to build capacity and accelerate the joint development of next-generation drone and counter-drone technology. The initiative implements the Drone Deal announced by President Ursula von der Leyen and targets rapid delivery and operational integration of new capabilities. The selected 18 founding members span both Ukrainian and EU technological leaders, with their inaugural meeting set for September in Brussels. The Alliance is a key deliverable of the 'Preserving Peace – Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030' and marks a step in deepening European defence technological collaboration.
Commission welcomes political agreement on AGILE defence innovation programme
A political agreement was reached on 15 July 2026 between the European Parliament and Council on the Programme for agile and rapid defence innovation (AGILE), a €115 million pilot scheme to accelerate disruptive defence technology from R&D to deployment. AGILE prioritises small and medium-sized enterprises, start-ups, and scale-ups working in advanced fields such as AI, quantum, and drones, and will be operational in early 2027. The programme complements existing instruments including the European Defence Fund and the EU Defence Innovation Scheme, aiming to speed up innovation uptake across member states. The initiative forms part of the broader EU Defence Industry Transformation Roadmap and responds to emerging defence capability requirements highlighted in the EU's Readiness 2030 white paper.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Council Decision 2026/1721 establishes €120 million assistance for Moldovan Armed Forces
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1721 of 13 July 2026 institutes a new assistance measure under the European Peace Facility, allocating €120 million to support Moldova’s Armed Forces with medium-range air defence equipment designed to deliver lethal force. The action aims to enhance Moldova's national security and its alignment with EU security policy. Implementation will be managed by the Lithuanian Central Project Management Agency, with a 60-month duration.
Council Decision 2026/1722: EU to fund maritime surveillance equipment for the Philippines
Under Decision (CFSP) 2026/1722 of 13 July 2026, the EU will allocate €15 million from the European Peace Facility to support maritime domain awareness capabilities for the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The package will provide coastal radar, electro-optical/infrared surveillance, and radar support systems, alongside related training, with implementation by Défense Conseil International (DCI). The measure has a 36-month validity.
Sanctions: New measures adopted on Russia and Ukraine
Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1779 of 17 July 2026, further amends Regulation (EU) No 269/2014, adding one person and five entities to the list of individuals and organisations subject to asset freezes and travel bans in relation to Russia’s actions against Ukraine. The regulation entered into force on publication in the Official Journal.
Sanctions: Oil price cap adjustment postponed (Regulation 2026/1805; Decision 2026/1804)
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/1805 and Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1804, both of 16 July 2026, jointly postpone the implementation of the mechanism to amend the crude oil price cap set under previous regulations regarding Russian oil exports. The new reference periods and amendment dates are now set for July and August 2026, citing the need for further Council examination in light of market conditions.
Peace Facility assistance: Decision 2026/1719 streamlines Congo support
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1719 of 13 July 2026 changes the management mode of the existing European Peace Facility measure supporting the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Implementation responsibility shifts from direct to indirect management by Economat des Armées.
EU Council
Foreign Affairs Council addresses Russia-Ukraine war and Black Sea strategy
At its 13 July 2026 meeting, the Foreign Affairs Council discussed the state of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and ongoing Middle East conflicts. Ministers reviewed implementation of the Black Sea strategy and the effects of the war in Iran and Lebanon.
EP Committee Work
SEDE discusses NATO Ankara Summit outcomes with Deputy Secretary-General
On 15 July 2026, members of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) and the Delegation for relations with NATO Parliamentary Assembly questioned Deputy Secretary-General Radmila Shekerinska on results from the NATO summit in Ankara. Topics included defence investment, support for Ukraine, defence industry readiness, and strengthening Europe's pillar within NATO.
SEDE & ITRE: Parliament and Council agree on AGILE defence innovation programme
A provisional agreement was reached between Parliament, Council, and Commission on the AGILE programme, aimed at providing rapid and targeted support for SMEs in emerging and disruptive defence technologies. The deal introduces a fast-track grant mechanism and improved access to testing infrastructure. SEDE chair Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann and lead MEPs Tonino Picula and Ivars Ijabs issued statements underlining the urgency and importance of the instrument for both EU security and Ukraine.
What We're Reading This Week
- One last Slava Ukraini: President Zelensky delivers a final emotional address, marking a pivotal moment in Ukraine's ongoing fight for independence.
- Open letter from 34 ex-EU ambassadors: ‘Act now against Israel’: Thirty-four former EU ambassadors urge immediate action against Israel over its conduct in the ongoing Gaza conflict.
- Listen: Is Ukraine gaining the upper hand against Russia?: Military analysts weigh Ukraine's recent battlefield successes amid shifting momentum in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
- Wes Streeting tipped for defense job under Andy Burnham: Wes Streeting emerges as a leading contender to become defense secretary under Andy Burnham’s prospective leadership.
- Macron trumpets high defense spending in last speech to the troops: President Macron emphasizes increased military investment as he addresses French forces ahead of his expected departure.
