This Week in Defence — Brussels (#29, 2026)
EU sanctions on Russia and Afghanistan updated; Council strengthens support for Yemen, Djibouti, and Ukraine; Defence ministers to discuss Ukraine aid and hybrid threats.
September 21, 2026 to September 27, 2026
EU sanctions on Russia and Afghanistan updated; Council strengthens support for Yemen, Djibouti, and Ukraine; Defence ministers to discuss Ukraine aid and hybrid threats.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Foreign Affairs Council (Defence): On September 28, the EU Council's Foreign Affairs Council (Defence) configuration is scheduled to hold an ministerial meeting in Brussels.
- Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE): On September 28, the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings; Institutional aspects of the Common European Defence Union.
- Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE): On September 28, the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Chair’s announcements concerning coordinators’ decisions on 2 September 2026; Date of next meetings.
European Commission
EU announces €505 million package for Lebanon including security and border management support
The European Commission unveiled a €505 million financial support package for Lebanon for 2026 and 2027, as part of the €1 billion aid announced by President Ursula von der Leyen in May 2024. The tranche will bolster Lebanon’s economic recovery, security sector and border management, and maintain essential services for the most vulnerable groups. Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica announced the funding at the United Nations General Assembly, noting the assistance will also address displacement and instability in the region. High Representative Kaja Kallas stated that a new EU mission is in preparation to advise and train Lebanese armed forces. Since 2011, EU support to Lebanon has exceeded €3.5 billion, encompassing humanitarian aid, reforms, and security cooperation.
Von der Leyen and Norwegian PM Støre reaffirm military and security cooperation on Ukraine
President Ursula von der Leyen met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Discussions centered on continued political, military, financial, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine in response to ongoing Russian aggression. The leaders examined ways to deepen EU-Norway cooperation, including implementation of the European Economic Area Agreement. Von der Leyen welcomed Norway’s recent measures to improve EEA functionality, and both sides reiterated their commitment to regional security.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
EU extends sanctions against Russia for destabilising activities
Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2165 of 24 September 2026 amends Regulation (EU) 2024/2642 by adding one individual to the list of persons subject to restrictive measures in response to Russia’s destabilising activities. The update follows European Council conclusions from June 2026 calling for reinforced resilience against hybrid threats.
Sanctions against Afghanistan updated to reflect UN Security Council changes
Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2138 of 22 September 2026 updates restrictive measures against individuals and entities in Afghanistan, as listed in Regulation (EU) No 753/2011. The new measures incorporate modifications made by the UN Security Council in March and April 2026.
Restrictive measures related to Ukraine updated and extended
Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2160 of 22 September 2026 updates entries for 104 individuals and 71 entities under Regulation (EU) No 269/2014, concerning actions undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty. Three deceased persons and four additional entries are deleted.
EU renews restrictive measures against Russia for three more years
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/2161 of 22 September 2026 amends Decision 2014/145/CFSP, extending restrictive measures against Russia until 22 September 2029. Updates are made to 104 individuals and 71 entities, with certain entries deleted following Council review.
Assistance to Djibouti Armed Forces increased under the European Peace Facility
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/2136 of 22 September 2026 amends Decision (CFSP) 2025/1554, raising the financial reference amount to €20 million and extending implementation to 54 months. The measure addresses capacity-building for Djibouti’s armed forces in the context of the Red Sea crisis.
Mandate of EUTM Somalia Mission Force Commander changes
Political and Security Committee Decision (CFSP) 2026/2147 of 17 September 2026 appoints Brigadier General Ivan Falasca as new Mission Force Commander for EUTM Somalia from 30 September 2026, replacing Brigadier General Elio Manes.
Support for UN Verification Mechanism in Yemen extended
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/2156 of 22 September 2026 extends EU support to the United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism (UNVIM) in Yemen until 31 December 2027. The financial reference amount is set at €2,480,794.55 for the new period.
EU Council
Foreign Affairs Council (Defence) to address EU military support for Ukraine and hybrid threats
On 28 September 2026, the Foreign Affairs Council (Defence) will discuss EU military assistance to Ukraine, hybrid threats, the Middle East, and public procurement in defence. High Representative Kaja Kallas will chair the European Defence Agency Steering Board in the meeting's margins.
What We're Reading This Week
- Germany offers a warning for Europe ahead of 2027 election year: the Putin/Trump security crisis won’t necessarily save the political centre: Germany’s experience suggests centrist parties may struggle to capitalize on security fears amid rising support for populist movements.
- EU budget talks face deadlock despite push for year-end deal: Negotiations over the EU budget stall, raising concerns about meeting funding deadlines before the end of the year.
- The EU spent billions on a cyberattack shield — nobody checked if it worked: EU oversight failures raise concerns as billions spent on cyber defenses go untested for effectiveness and accountability.
- Denmark raises cyber threat level to high, warning of ‘likely’ attacks from Russia: Danish authorities warn critical sectors to brace for increased Russian cyberattacks as the national threat level is elevated.
- New rotation of US troops bound for Lithuania, Lithuanian president says: A fresh deployment of US soldiers underscores ongoing military cooperation between the United States and Lithuania amid regional tensions.
