Read more about the article A Renewed Commitment to Security and Stability Abroad: the EU Extends the Mandate of Three Civilian Missions in Libya and Palestine
News

A Renewed Commitment to Security and Stability Abroad: the EU Extends the Mandate of Three Civilian Missions in Libya and Palestine

On June 26th, 2023, the Council of the EU unanimously extended the mandate of three civilian missions operating under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) framework: the EU Integrated Border Management Assistance Mission in Libya (EUBAM Libya), the EU Integrated Border Management Assistance Mission at the Rafah Crossing Point (EUBAM Rafah), and the EU Police Mission in the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS). While the first mission was given a 2-year renewal, with its new deadline set on June 30th, 2025, the other two benefited from a one-year extension until June 30th, 2024, with a potential one-year extension. Most relevantly, the Council widened the scope of EUBAM Libya’s mandate, which now encapsulates ambitious objectives, such as the enhancement of state authorities and agencies’ border management capabilities, the fight against human trafficking and migrant smuggling, and counter-terrorism (Council of the EU, 2023).

Comments Off on A Renewed Commitment to Security and Stability Abroad: the EU Extends the Mandate of Three Civilian Missions in Libya and Palestine
25 July 2023
Read more about the article NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) Becomes Operational
News

NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) Becomes Operational

On June 19th, 2023, NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) became operational (NATO, 2023a). DIANA is a platform which brings together representatives from state governments, private industry and academia to help innovators and businesses design start-ups and devise common standards to capitalise on emerging and disruptive technologies in accordance with NATO’s principles of responsible use, ranging from lawfulness and accountability to traceability and governability (DIANA, n.d.).

Comments Off on NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) Becomes Operational
24 July 2023
Read more about the article The EU’s Rapid Deployment Capacity Initiative: Developments, Prospects, and Challenges – True Marker of a Strategic Shift or Spectre of the Past?
Info Flash

The EU’s Rapid Deployment Capacity Initiative: Developments, Prospects, and Challenges – True Marker of a Strategic Shift or Spectre of the Past?

Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, called for Europe’s ‘geopolitical awakening’ in the foreword of the Strategic Compass, published in March 2022. The document, which marked a strategic shift in the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), aimed to make the ‘EU a stronger and more capable security provider’ (EEAS, 2022).

Comments Off on The EU’s Rapid Deployment Capacity Initiative: Developments, Prospects, and Challenges – True Marker of a Strategic Shift or Spectre of the Past?
24 July 2023
Read more about the article Bolstering multi-domain interoperability: NATO allies complete the Neptune Strike 23-2 exercise
News

Bolstering multi-domain interoperability: NATO allies complete the Neptune Strike 23-2 exercise

From 10 to 14 July 2023, NATO carried out the enhanced vigilance activity Neptune Strike 23-2, (NEST 23.2). Participating states engaged in joint training and exercises across several maritime areas to integrate NATO’s naval strike and air power capabilities (Haider, 2023). NEST 23.2 marked the second iteration of the Project Neptune cycle of exercises in 2023, allowing participating military forces to boost deterrence and assurance in the Euro-Atlantic area by executing a wide range of sea, air and land activities (StrikForNATO, 2023)

Comments Off on Bolstering multi-domain interoperability: NATO allies complete the Neptune Strike 23-2 exercise
20 July 2023
Read more about the article South Korea’s Pursuit of Closer Ties: The Importance of EU Engagement on the Korean Peninsula
Info Flash

South Korea’s Pursuit of Closer Ties: The Importance of EU Engagement on the Korean Peninsula

The relationship between the European Union (EU) and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK, commonly known as North Korea) has mostly been characterised by tension, limited engagement and strained diplomatic ties. Although the DPRK has embassies in most European countries, the relationship remains largely formal and marked by infrequent high-level interactions (EEAS, 2022). The EU has consistently condemned the DPRK’s unlawful weapons programmes and called for the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula in line with the international community’s stance (Council of the European Union, 2023). Direct diplomatic engagement between the EU and the DPRK has been limited and there have been few substantial efforts to improve relations or foster dialogue.

Comments Off on South Korea’s Pursuit of Closer Ties: The Importance of EU Engagement on the Korean Peninsula
20 July 2023