Research Report - Finabel

Read more about the article Romania’s Defence Industry at a Crossroads: Modernising Capabilities and Mitigating Dependencies through SAFE Funding

Romania’s Defence Industry at a Crossroads: Modernising Capabilities and Mitigating Dependencies through SAFE Funding

Romania will benefit from over €16 billion in funding through the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) mechanism, the second-largest allocation established by the European Commission. This fuels a newer and unique blend of growth opportunities for its defence capabilities. Romania's defence standing, strongly shaped by the country’s strategic position and its NATO and EU membership, has significant relevance for the traditional security landscape in Eastern Europe and the Black Sea area; more so in light of evolving hybrid threats posed by Russia’s destabilising attempts to extend its sphere of influence in the region. The paper assesses current structural vulnerabilities in Romania’s defence sector, and discusses how industrial cooperation with a host of European partners, if properly pursued, will allow Bucharest to strengthen the competitiveness of the state-owned company ROMARM while also mitigating the risks of external dependency on its closest ally, the U.S., for procurement of military equipment.

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13 October 2025

Read more about the article The Forgotten Strategic Region: The Security Situation in the Western Sahel, Russian Influence, and European Security

Research Report

The Forgotten Strategic Region: The Security Situation in the Western Sahel, Russian Influence, and European Security

Since the end of European missions in the Western Sahel and the military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the security situation in the region has deteriorated significantly. Jihadists and other insurgents have gained ground, while the regimes are being kept from total collapse by the newfound influence and military presence of Russia and its new strategic ambitions through the Russian Africa Corps. The disastrous security situation in the Western Sahel and instability in West Africa threatens European Security. This threat is worsened by the presence of Russia and other hostile powers. European countries must find new, improved, and pragmatic ways to engage with the region again.

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9 October 2025

Research Report

High Energy Lasers – Tactical Tool or Star Wars?

In an environment where Europe’s adversaries – non-state actors and otherwise – are using drones extensively, High-Energy Lasers (HELs) are an easy, cheap, and efficient countermeasure. However, as a speed-of-light weapon, HELs’ ability to defeat hypersonic missiles also potentially thwarts attempted nuclear first-strikes and upsets Mutually Assured Destruction calculations. It can also frustrate intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance efforts by dazzling or blinding aerial and orbital optical sensors. However, there are technical challenges of thermal blooming, power management, and line-of-sight requirements. Europe has made some effort to centralise HEL production in the TALOS-TWO project. However, multiple ongoing HEL projects risk fragmented development. Europe should further centralise such efforts by improving communication and involving more stakeholders in the development process.

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6 October 2025

Research Report

The role of PMSCs in the EU’s Security and Defence Policy: a temporary complementary tool

The following paper will examine the European Union’s reliance on Private Military and Security Companies (PMSCs). By analysing regulatory frameworks, parliamentary initiatives, and case studies, namely Operation Atalanta and EULEX Kosovo, it highlights both the operational benefits and the political, legal, and ethical challenges of outsourcing security functions. The paper will show that PMSCs can provide rapid deployment, specialised expertise, and logistical support, but cannot replace core military tasks reserved to States. Gaps in regulation, accountability, and oversight risk undermining parliamentary and democratic control together with the EU’s credibility. The paper concludes that PMSCs should remain a complementary tool within EU security and defence policy, integrated through common standards, and binding and common legislation.

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1 October 2025

Research Report

NATO’s Renewed Arctic Commitment: Strategic Adaptation to Climate Change, Russian Ambitions and Chinese Expansion

The Arctic is emerging as a region of critical geopolitical importance, mainly due to the wide effects of climate change, which are opening the Russian Arctic to economic and military expansion, and attracting Chinese investments. NATO has been engaged in the region since its creation; however, in recent times, it began to recalibrate its strategic posture to address the new growing challenges. This paper investigates the Alliance’s renewed commitment to the High North, putting it into context with the emergence of new, pressing security challenges in the region. First, after discussing NATO’s historical security stance in the Arctic, the focus is shifted to the threat-multiplying effect climate change has on regional security. Next, the paper emphasizes the expanding influence of Russia and the rising role of China as key actors in the Arctic. These security challenges lay the ground for the analysis of the Alliance’s expanding commitment and reinforced focus on its northern flank.

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26 September 2025

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