This Week in Defence — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission approves €6.1bn for Ukraine defence; new Public Procurement Act proposed; Innovation Act and regulatory sandboxes advanced; space summit addresses security cooperation.
September 07, 2026 to September 13, 2026
Commission approves €6.1bn for Ukraine defence; new Public Procurement Act proposed; Innovation Act and regulatory sandboxes advanced; space summit addresses security cooperation.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission approves €6.1 billion to support Ukraine's air and missile defence and procurement needs
On 10 September 2026, the European Commission authorised €6.1 billion in defence funding for Ukraine, targeting air and missile defence, ammunition, drones, and electronic warfare. The package, funded under Regulation (EU) 2026/467 (Ukraine Support Loan), allows procurement from both EU and Ukrainian suppliers, including PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems. Five derogations from standard eligibility conditions were granted, including for US-made equipment, via the NATO PURL mechanism. The €28.3 billion allocated for Ukraine's 2026 defence support is now fully committed, with contracts specifying equipment, suppliers, quantities, and timelines. The Commission has disbursed €8.35 billion in defence funding this year, and additional payments are anticipated following compliance review of procurement contracts.
Commission proposes new Public Procurement Act to modernise procurement rules
On 8 September 2026, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a new Regulation to simplify and strategically enhance the EU public procurement framework. This reform consolidates three existing directives into one Regulation, reducing administrative burden and harmonising rules across sectors. The Act introduces a digital procurement marketplace, applies the Best Price-Quality Ratio as the standard award method, and strengthens security, resilience, and European preference mechanisms. The Regulation addresses recommendations from the Draghi and Letta reports and will be negotiated by the European Parliament and Council.
Speech by President von der Leyen at International Space Summit: EU space strategy and defence cooperation
On 9 September 2026, Ursula von der Leyen addressed the International Space Summit, highlighting Copernicus and Galileo's global roles and EU investment in space capabilities. The Commission, ESA, and Member States committed to a new European vision on access to space, supporting space launchers and pooling demand. The Cassini Investment facility mobilises €2 billion for space companies, and the Scaleup Europe Fund targets strategic technologies. The Commission's proposal for the 2028–2034 budget includes €131 billion for defence, security, and space. The EU Space Act establishes a common framework for safety and resilience, and the IRIS² constellation will expand to over 350 satellites by 2029 to support secure communications for defence and emergency services.
Press remarks by Vice-President Séjourné and Commissioner Zaharieva: Public Procurement Act and European Innovation Act
On 8 September 2026, Vice-President Séjourné and Commissioner Zaharieva presented the Public Procurement Act and the European Innovation Act, proposing a single Regulation for procurement and a unified rulebook for R&D procurement. The reforms aim to simplify procedures, establish a digital procurement platform, and apply quality criteria in contract awards. The Innovation Act sets at least 50% award criteria for quality, including 15% for innovation, and introduces Made-in-Europe preference for R&D procurement. Both Acts are positioned to enhance strategic procurement and innovation across the Union.
Statement by President von der Leyen on derogation for Ukraine to purchase Patriot air defence system products
On 7 September 2026, President von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Rutte welcomed the Member States' agreement on derogations enabling Ukraine to procure products for Patriot air defence systems. A €3.2 billion disbursement under the Ukraine Support Loan advances Ukraine's missile defence capabilities. The Commission affirmed continued cooperation with NATO and Member States to reinforce Ukraine's defence and Europe's posture.
Statement by President von der Leyen on 25 years since 9/11: alliances and collective security
On 9 September 2026, President von der Leyen issued a statement marking 25 years since the 9/11 attacks, referencing the invocation of NATO Article 5 and the enduring importance of alliances and collective security. The statement reflected on current security challenges and the continued relevance of transatlantic unity for defence and democratic values.
EU Council
Upcoming informal meeting of transport ministers (Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council)
Transport ministers will meet informally on 20 September 2026 to discuss sectoral cooperation and policy priorities.
What We're Reading This Week
- EU universities struggle to cut out Israeli partners, with €15m in EU funds in defence-linked projects: EU universities face challenges severing ties with Israeli counterparts due to ongoing collaboration in €15m EU-funded defence-related projects.
- Rethinking drone warfare: Germany's military needs more than new technology: Germany's defense strategy faces scrutiny as experts argue that effective drone warfare requires organizational and doctrinal reform, not just equipment upgrades.
- France-Germany space summit hit by US withdrawals and Merz absence: Key US officials and German opposition leader Merz are skipping the France-Germany space summit, raising concerns about transatlantic cooperation.
- EU in space: Going boldly where plenty of people have gone before: The EU ramps up its space ambitions, seeking to compete with established players amid increasing global collaboration and competition.
