The New Portfolio of Defence and Space Commissioner: Key Priorities and Challenges Ahead

In this paper, Marek Gallo analyses the implications of the newly created post of Defence and Space Commissioner (DaSC) for the European security architecture. The appointment of Andrius Kubilius reflects a strategic shift aimed at bolstering the EU’s defence industry and achieving greater strategic autonomy in response to Russian aggression and global instability. However, this paper argues that while the DaSC role emphasises joint procurement and enhanced interoperability, the portfolio lacks the authority to drive substantial defence reforms. At the same time, Kubilius' success depends on securing resources, overcoming institutional hesitancy, and fostering collaboration with NATO. Additionally, the EU’s cost-effective space policy focuses on regulatory leadership and space programmes continuity, rather than militarisation. This paper constructively highlights the challenges Kubilius will face in aligning immediate security concerns with long-term strategic objectives, positioning the DaSC as a symbolic yet limited step in strengthening Europe’s defence posture.

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France’s strategic pivot to Europe and its impact on the international fight against terrorism in the Sahel region

This Info Flash outlines the history of Operation Barkhane, offering a general overview of French and European efforts to maintain stability in the Sahel region over the past ten years. The principal causes of France’s disengagement are analysed taking into account external factors, such as the Russian-Ukrainian war at the end of February 2022. Because of the sensibility of this issue, Professor Luca Ranieri, one of the most prominent scholars dealing with security problems in the Sahel region, builds in an interview a critical assessment of Operation Barkhane. Understanding the main weaknesses of this initiative poses extreme usefulness in order to avoid repeating the same errors in the future.

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European Defence Fund: Time to Shine

In the wake of the European Council's discussion on the 26th of February regarding the future of EU security and defence, a decisive juncture to assess the stature of EU defence cooperation lies ahead. The EU pledges to deliver a collective answer to a fast-changing strategic environment and maintain momentum on its defence initiatives. Among its initiatives, the European Defence Fund (EDF) aims to boost joint research and innovation in defence and stimulate Member States industrial bases to develop common military capabilities. The EDF has officially come into effect with the new Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027, empowered with a total budget of € 8 billion; thus, it is time to demonstrate its potential.

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