Only a Fully Backed IRIS² Can Deliver Europe’s Sovereign Alternative to Starlink
Satellite connectivity has moved, in the span of three years, from a niche industrial concern to a core aspect of European security. Yet the continent’s response has been to build a shared constellation while quietly hedging with national ones. IRIS² cannot deliver sovereignty if Member States do not unreservedly back it.
Is HYDEF, the EU’s Hypersonic Interception Programme, Still Making Progress?
Russia perpetrated yet another heavy attack targeting Kyiv on May 24th, firing some 600 drones and 90 missiles including hypersonic Kinzhal and Zircon missiles. As EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has said, “Russia hit a dead end on the battlefield, so it terrorizes Ukraine with deliberate strikes on city centres.” A tactic made easier by Ukraine’s lack of air defence systems that can reliably intercept hypersonic missiles – Europe has the same problem. Could the EU’s Hypersonic Defence Interceptor Programme (HYDEF) help to solve this challenge?
After the Iran War: NATO’s Paper Power May Not Survive a Long War
The Iran war is not NATO’s war. Yet, ahead of the 2026 Ankara Summit, it has exposed a deeper anxiety: NATO’s military capabilities may be easy to visualize, but it is evident that the alliance is not ready, both in a political and industrial sense, from the rising Russian threat.
Rearming Europe: Following the Netherlands’ Example?
The Dutch are looking to serve as the forefront in Europe’s new era of military independence.
Poland’s Rise as Europe’s New Technological, Economic, Military Power
Poland’s post-communist rise to one of Europe’s fastest-growing economies represents a profound structural transformation.
The Funeral No One Wants To Attend: The Collapse of the Global Nuclear Order
As the old nuclear order decays, the world clings to rituals of reassurance that can no longer hide the growing risks beneath the surface.
European Defence: Is Germany a “False Friend”?
As the EU’s largest industrial power, Germany’s defence-industrial decisions are becoming a central fault line between Europe’s ambitions of military autonomy and continued reliance on the US.
Europe, Embrace France’s Defence Vision: L’autonomie stratégique
Despite the political crisis in France, the country remains our model for strategic autonomy. It is time for Europe to further develop this concept.
As Brussels Slowly Deliberates, Some EU Member States Are Already Militarizing Space
As the EU hammers out its Space Act, national initiatives in France, Italy, and the Netherlands are already redefining Europe’s role in orbit.
How the Netherlands Became One of the Top Weapon Suppliers to Pakistan
How a European nation surprisingly became Pakistan’s #2 arms supplier.
Melting Arctic Ice and Russian Expansionism in the North
The Arctic’s environmental changes, most importantly, the melting of ice, has created abundant commercial and geopolitical opportunities for regional states.
Privatizing Security: How Private Companies are Setting the Security Agenda
Now that NATO countries are ramping up their defense budgets, private defense industry revenues are booming. But this comes with risks.
