#defence - Finabel

On-Orbit Satellite Servicing Technologies – Towards European Space Defence Autonomy

This research paper explores the role of on-orbit satellite servicing (OOS) technologies for the acceleration of European space autonomy. By assessing the global historical evolution of OOS, with a particular focus on the United States, China, and Russia, the paper establishes an overview of current OOS technologies and their growing strategic relevance. It finds that while in comparison to other global space actors, European OOS capacities have historically been underdeveloped, investments in OOS offer a cost-efficient opportunity to significantly bolster European autonomy. With recent changes in European defence policy and an increased focus on space as a strategic domain, new opportunities have emerged to close the resulting capability gap. Examining European projects such as ClearSpace-1, RISE, and EROSS+, the analysis concludes that expanding investments in private-public partnerships between governments and commercial providers are the most efficient path towards expanding European OOS capabilities.

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6 August 2025

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EU Normative Power and its Limits: the case of Cyprus

This paper explores the perception of the European Union as a normative power in international relations. This concept refers to its ability to shape the behaviour of member states and third-party countries through the diffusion of its norms and values. Building on theoretical perspectives, the paper examines the EU's unique reliance on economic, legal, and diplomatic instruments rather than military force. It also discusses the main tools the EU employs to project normative influence, such as accession processes, development aid, and peacebuilding initiatives. To clarify the challenges and contradictions of this approach, the paper includes a case study on Cyprus. This example highlights the weaknesses of EU normative power in contexts of unsolved conflict and opposing national interests. Essentially, the analysis reflects on the tension between the EU’s aspirations and the realities of foreign policy shaped by internal diversity and external geopolitical pressures.

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31 July 2025

Read more about the article Distinguishing Civilians and Non-combatants: How Technological Warfare Challenges International Humanitarian Law

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Distinguishing Civilians and Non-combatants: How Technological Warfare Challenges International Humanitarian Law

Despite evolving forms of warfare, the obligation to distinguish between military and civilian objectives remains a fundamental principle of international humanitarian law since the 19th century. However, the roles of civilians, combatants, and non-combatants are difficult to distinguish under the current legal framework. Today’s public discourse, exacerbated by media exaggerations and political propaganda, equates the term ‘non-combatant’ with that of ‘civilian’, portraying civilians as innocent and vulnerable. However, not all civilians are non-combatants, and there is an increase in involvement by civil personnel which have military and strategic significance. As civilian and military functions overlap, especially through dual-use technologies and remote systems, the traditional civilian/combatant dichotomy appears outdated and incomplete. The lack of clarity on such fundamental distinctions promotes divergent interpretations and undermines the uniform applicability of international humanitarian law.

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28 July 2025

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The European Commission’s 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework Proposal: Strengthening Defence Spending

On 16 July 2025, the European Commission presented its proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which establishes the rules and expenditure ceilings for broad categories of spending—referred to as "headings"—over a six year period from 2028 to 2034.

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24 July 2025

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Outpaced at Sea? What AUKUS Reveals About Europe’s Strategic Drift

The AUKUS pact between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States has swiftly shifted the international dialogue on naval power (Hellyer & Stevens, 2022). For the first time, a non-nuclear weapon state is being armed with nuclear-powered submarines, thus changing not only the Indo-Pacific security environment but, additionally, opening a new chapter in strategic defence cooperation (Cheng, 2022). Whilst London and Washington were putting importance on the strategic need of countering China, Europe wаs left watching from afar: particularly France, whose billion-euro submarine deal with Australia had quickly collаpsed overnight (Tertrais, 2021). This аrticle explores how AUKUS redefines traditional defence norms and remodels the global nuclear submarine balance (Hellyer & Stevens, 2022). Likewise, it examines the implications for the European Union, which has long aimed for larger strategic autonomy, yet still struggles to coordinate effectively at sea (Fiott et al., 2021). Geographically speaking, AUKUS may be a distant pact, however, its message to Europe is as clear as day: naval power matters, and partnerships formed on trust, swiftness, as well as strategic clarity, are already setting the pace (Fiott, 2018).

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22 July 2025

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