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Strengthening Cybersecurity: The EU-Ukraine Partnership

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Cybersecurity has become one of the most critical dimensions of European security, particularly in the context of Ukraine’s ongoing confrontation with hybrid threats. In recent years, cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union in this field has expanded significantly, leading to concrete improvements in resilience, intelligence-sharing, and regulatory alignment. This contribution explores the key aspects of EU-Ukraine cybersecurity collaboration, its achievements, ongoing challenges, and future prospects. Key Achievements of EU-Ukraine Cybersecurity Cooperation 1. Capacity Building and Cyber Resilience A major focus of cooperation has been on enhancing Ukraine’s cyber resilience. The EU has provided technical assistance, training programs, and funding for upgrading Ukraine’s cybersecurity infrastructure. As a result, Ukrainian institutions have improved their ability to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats, particularly those originating from hostile state and non-stat...
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European Defence: Key Takeaways from the EU Leaders' Retreat

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Introduction: The Strategic Imperative for European Defence On February 3, 2025, European Union leaders convened in Brussels for an unprecedented meeting exclusively focused on defence. Given the evolving security landscape, including Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, hybrid threats in the Baltic region, and shifting transatlantic relations, this "informal retreat" aimed to develop a strategic roadmap for strengthening European defence. Unlike formal summits, this retreat did not produce official conclusions but provided political direction for the upcoming White Paper on Defence, scheduled for release in March 2025. The key themes of discussion were: Enhancing European defence capabilities Finding sustainable financing solutions for security investments Strengthening partnerships, particularly with NATO, the US, and the UK This publication examines the most critical takeaways from this high-level discussion and their implications for European security, with a particular focus...
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European Defence: Confronting Reality in a Changing World

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The European Union finds itself at a pivotal moment in its approach to defence and security. At the Annual Conference of the European Defence Agency, held on January 22, 2025, in Brussels, High Representative/Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas delivered a compelling speech on the urgent need for a strategic shift in Europe's defence policy. Her address served as a call to action, emphasizing the necessity of a realistic approach to security challenges facing Europe. Kallas underscored that Russia poses an existential threat, having transitioned its economy to full war mode, with military spending exceeding one-third of its national budget. Her message was both sobering and aspirational: Europe must shed its illusions of safety and prepare for a future defined by collective strength, strategic investment, and unified action. In this piece, we explore the key themes of her speech and their implications for European security. The Reality Check: From Optimism to Urge...
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EU's Military Assistance to Ukraine: Analysing the Impact of the European Peace Facility

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The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022 became an existential challenge for European security. It exposed critical vulnerabilities in the EU’s defence mechanisms and underscored the urgency of coordinated military support. The European Peace Facility (EPF), created in 2021, has since become a cornerstone of the EU’s security response, enabling the EU Member States to provide critical assistance to Ukraine. Unlike traditional EU instruments, the EPF operates outside the EU budget, circumventing legal restrictions on military spending and allowing for direct support to partner countries. This publication examines the EPF’s role in strengthening Ukraine’s defence, evaluates its broader impact on European security policy, and discusses challenges and future directions. A New Role for the EU in Defence The EPF represents a significant evolution in the EU’s approach to defence, transitioning from a focus on economic aid and diplomacy to active military assistance. Since...
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Financing the European Defence Industry: Current Challenges and Strategic Steps Forward

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The European defence industry, encompassing a range of large multinational companies, mid-sized firms, and over 2,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), has faced substantial financial constraints over the past few decades. This situation has been exacerbated by national budget decisions and policies that were shaped in a different geopolitical climate, particularly following the end of the Cold War. The resulting underinvestment has significantly limited the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB), making it difficult for the industry to secure essential funding. The purpose of this publication is to provide an overview of the current financial challenges faced by the European defence industry, examine key initiatives and policy responses aimed at addressing these challenges, and outline strategic steps needed to enhance the EDTIB. Special emphasis is placed on the implications of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the necessity for a robust, well-funded Eu...
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Cybersecurity and the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy: Strengthening Digital Defences between the EU and Ukraine in time of war

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Cybersecurity is one of the foundations of Ukraine’s resilience against Russian aggression. With no doubt, cybersecurity has become a critical component of national and international security. For the European Union (EU), safeguarding digital infrastructure and information is integral to its Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, the EU is enhancing its cybersecurity capabilities, particularly through partnerships like the one with Ukraine. The Role of Cybersecurity in the CSDP The EU's CSDP focuses on ensuring the safety and security of its member states through coordinated defence efforts, which increasingly include protecting against cyber threats. Cybersecurity within the CSDP involves a range of activities, from safeguarding critical infrastructure and responding to cyber incidents to fostering resilience and cooperation among EU member states. Recognizing the growing significance of cyber threats, the EU has developed various stra...
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European Defence Industrial Strategy: A New Era for EU Security

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The European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS) , presented in March 2024, aims to transform the European Union’s defence capabilities by 2035. With an increased focus on collaboration and innovation, EDIS seeks to address fragmentation in the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) and reduce the EU's dependence on non-EU suppliers, particularly from the U.S. At its core is the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) , a €1.5 billion initiative designed to boost collaboration across Member States. Through SEAP (Structure for European Armament Programme), EDIS encourages joint projects spanning the entire defence lifecycle – from research and development to procurement and maintenance. One of the most ambitious goals is for 50% of EU defence procurement to come from the EDTIB by 2030, improving Europe’s autonomy and resilience. Beyond addressing industrial gaps, EDIS emphasizes the importance of partnerships, particularly with Ukraine . As the war in Ukraine c...
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