Read more about the article The White Paper on Defence: How a Single Market Can Boost Efficiency and Interoperability
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The White Paper on Defence: How a Single Market Can Boost Efficiency and Interoperability

The 2025 White Paper on Defence outlines a strategic framework for enhancing European security through greater financial incentives, integration, and strategic autonomy. Aiming to address significant gaps such as underinvestment, industrial fragmentation, and capability deficiencies, the White Paper proposes a Single Market for Defence to streamline procurement, boost innovation, and strengthen partnerships. This article conducts a policy-driven critical analysis to assess the feasibility of the ambitious initiative, outlining the implications for reaching full-spectrum interoperability in the European defence sector. The paper emphasises that despite financial and political challenges, implementing a Single Market for Defence would establish a more resilient and autonomous European security architecture, ensuring preparedness against evolving security threats.

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16 April 2025
Read more about the article Mercenaries Made in Europe? Exploring the Need for a European Regulatory Framework of Private Military Companies
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Mercenaries Made in Europe? Exploring the Need for a European Regulatory Framework of Private Military Companies

This research paper examines the operations of European Private Military Companies (PMCs) and their implications for European security, both abroad and domestically. It discusses two case studies on European-based PMCs which were involved in an incident in the eastern Congolese city of Goma after Rwandan-backed rebels captured the town in January 2025. The study finds significant potential risks to European foreign policy and security interests arising from European military contractors’ collaboration with strategic contestants of Europe and their operational conduct in conflict areas. Additionally, it reveals how European PMCs operating in third countries can be linked to ventures that undermine security within Europe, as demonstrated in the case of Romania, highlighting the dangers posed by inadequate control mechanisms of European-based military contractors. The analysis concludes with policy recommendations for a unified European regulatory mechanism to oversee PMCs.

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15 April 2025
Read more about the article Hope For a New Perspective on Ballistic Missile Non-Proliferation? An Analysis of International Humanitarian & Environmental Law and Political Science
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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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14 April 2025
Read more about the article Hungary and European Defence: Political Rhetoric vs Military Reality
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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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10 April 2025
Read more about the article The Importance of Electronic Warfare for European Land Forces: Lessons from the War in Ukraine
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The Importance of Electronic Warfare for European Land Forces: Lessons from the War in Ukraine

Armed forces in all domains are becoming increasingly reliant on electronic equipment that uses the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) and its associated frequencies. Electronic warfare (EW) serves both to secure and to deny access to the EMS. The war in Ukraine had demonstrated that EW capabilities are now crucial for land forces, with their scope and applications continuously expanding. For example, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become the focus of a contest in EW between Ukraine and Russia, with each side attempting to deny the other the use of these systems and the EMS necessary for their operation. European land forces should observe and assimilate the lessons from Ukraine’s experience in EW, as their own EW capabilities have become largely obsolete or insufficient.

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31 March 2025