The Evolution of EU Defence Policy: Strategic Compass and Industrial Implications

The article examines recent EU defence initiatives aimed at establishing a unified European Military Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB). Key measures like the European Defence Investment Programme (EDIP) and European Defence Industry Reinforcement through the Common Procurement Act (EDIRPA), spurred by the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, reflect a shift towards greater EU defence unity and interoperability. Anchored by the 2022 Versailles Summit and the Strategic Compass, these efforts culminated in the 2024 European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS). The article highlights the Compass as a framework for achieving autonomy and interoperability while addressing structural challenges such as fragmented procurement and industry limitations. It also explores the debate over collective borrowing for defence, balancing national interests with EU security needs.

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Chad Ends Defence Pact with France, Signalling a Shift in Regional Alliances

Chad has announced the termination of its defence agreement with France, signaling a major shift in its post-colonial ties. The move, emphasizing sovereignty, comes amid regional reevaluations of French influence and growing partnerships with Russia. While French troops will withdraw in a "harmonious transition," this decision aligns Chad with a broader trend of African nations asserting their independence and diversifying alliances. France faces diminishing influence as nations like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso also turn away.

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The Role of the OSCE in European Conflict Prevention and Security

The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is the world’s largest regional security organisation, uniting 57 member states to promote peace, stability, and democracy. Through tools like the Vienna Document, election monitoring, and field missions, the OSCE fosters transparency, dialogue, and cooperation to prevent conflicts. Its comprehensive approach integrates military, economic, environmental, and human rights dimensions. While consensus-driven decisions ensure inclusivity, they can hinder swift action. Despite challenges, the OSCE remains vital in addressing evolving regional security risks.

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The Downfall of Wagner and the Rise of Redut: The Growing Challenge of Russian PMCs for European Security

The collapse of the Wagner Group has paved the way for Redut, a GRU-backed private military company (PMC), to emerge as a key Kremlin tool for hybrid warfare. Operating in Ukraine, Africa, and Eastern Europe, the shadowy operational capabilities of Redut pose significant challenges to European Union (EU) missions and international stability. This report examines Redut’s structure, strategic objectives, and the broader implications of Russian PMC activities on global security and geopolitics. This paper discovers how Redut symbolises Russia’s evolving strategy in leveraging private military influence in conflict zones. Read the full analysis:

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From Assistance to Armed Surveillance: Frontex and the EU’s Securitised Migration Agenda

This paper examines the European Union’s (EU) gradual development of external border management, focussing on the militarisation and externalisation of migration control. Through an analysis of the role of Frontex and the increasing integration of military technology, it argues that the EU has shifted from cooperative regulation to a security-centric paradigm, frequently at the expense of human rights. Key findings show how migration is increasingly being presented as a security threat, impacting EU partnerships with non-EU countries and transforming the Mediterranean into a militarised zone. The paper advocates for rethinking the EU border strategy to balance security goals with humanitarian responsibilities, arguing that the future of European border management must prioritise human dignity alongside effective security measures.

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