Hope For a New Perspective on Ballistic Missile Non-Proliferation? An Analysis of International Humanitarian & Environmental Law and Political Science

This paper explores the persistent dangers of ballistic missiles (BMs) despite international legal efforts to curb their proliferation and use. It analyses violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Environmental Law (IEL), using the 44-Day War between Armenia and Azerbaijan as a case study to illustrate the devastating impact of BMs on civilians and the environment. While acknowledging the challenges posed by realist perspectives in international relations, the paper adopts a constructivist approach, suggesting that a shift in state identities and interests could encourage greater commitment to disarmament efforts. In this regard, the EU Space Strategy is highlighted as a potential avenue for promoting norms that prioritise humanitarian and environmental concerns in the context of space security.

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Hungary and European Defence: Political Rhetoric vs Military Reality

Hungary is often perceived as a political outlier within the European Union and NATO due to its government’s controversial stance on Russia and Ukraine. However, despite diplomatic tensions, Hungary has actively modernised its military and strengthened its defence industry in line with European security objectives. This paper examines Hungary’s post-Cold War military decline and subsequent revitalisation through the Zrínyi 2026 programme. It highlights Hungary’s threat perception, its role in NATO and EU missions, joint exercises, and interoperability efforts, demonstrating that while political disagreements persist, Hungary remains an integral part of European defence structures. The research sheds light on the contrast between Hungary’s political positioning and its military commitments.

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Strategic Planning and Tactics in The Ukrainian-Russian War: What Should European Armies Implement and Avoid?

This paper’s purpose is to examine strategic and tactical lessons to be learned from the Ukrainian-Russian war and offer European armies recommendations for future preventive and defensive measures. Through analysing both warring parties’ engagement in war, this paper shows that Russian entrenching strategy is successful in containing Ukrainian forces, and using surveillance drones is an effective method of preventing surprise attacks from the adversaries’ army. Further benefits and deficiencies of Russian offense and Ukrainian defence strategies are discussed. This comparative analysis provides European armies with recommendations for implementations and avoidances.

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Romania’s Defence Industrial Sector: The long road towards Modernisation and Readiness

Romania’s strategic geopolitical location between the Balkans and the Black Sea, coupled with recent international tensions, has placed it at the heart of NATO and EU defence strategies. Historically burdened by post-communist industrial decline, Romania is revitalising its defence sector through international partnerships and EU-led initiatives like the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP). However, persistent challenges within national defence company ROMARM, such as management inefficiencies, outdated technology, workforce aging, and restrictive state ownership policies, continue to impede the pace and scope of modernisation. Addressing these limitations is essential for sustaining Romania’s defence sector revitalisation. Ultimately, the effectiveness of Romania’s modernisation efforts will determine its contribution to regional stability and broader European defence resilience.

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From Resilience to Deterrence: Is the EU Shifting Toward Proactive Cyber Defence?

This paper examines the European Union’s evolving cyber defence strategy in response to the growing integration of cyber operations into hybrid warfare. It traces the EU’s doctrinal shift from a reactive, resilience-based posture to one that increasingly embraces proactive deterrence, including the potential use of offensive capabilities. By analysing key strategic documents and highlighting the case of France, the study illustrates both progress and limitations. While conceptual advances are evident, practical implementation remains a national competence. The paper concludes that translating strategic ambition into credible cyber deterrence will require legal clarity, interoperability, and coordinated capability development.

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