Defence spending
As President Trump arrives in The Hague for a NATO summit, the world is witnessing a significant shift in global politics. The tone of the summit is vastly different from previous gatherings, with the US disengaging from Europe and turning its attention to Asia and the Middle East. This has
Heads of state
As the NATO summit approaches in June, the alliance's secretary general, Mark Rutte, is seeking a concise and drama-free meeting that avoids disagreements over Ukraine. However, the presence of President Trump, who opposes Ukraine's accession to NATO, and the US's retreating role in maintaining
Biden, Joe
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is celebrating its 75th anniversary, marked by a three-day summit in Washington amid ongoing tensions with Russia over Ukraine. Founded in 1949 to counter the Soviet Union's threat to European security, NATO has grown to 32 member countries, with a collective security
European Union
NATO's foreign ministers meeting last week failed to achieve an agreement on coordinating with the proposed European Union defense initiative, sources said. The tension stems from France and other EU countries' reluctance to commit to coordinated planning with NATO members, including Turkey. Meanwhile, the US is urging
European Union
The week has seen significant developments globally, including the decision by Ukraine to close the Chernobyl power plant, the death of Guinea-Bissau's former military junta leader Ansumane Mane, and the European Union summit in Nice resulting in a widely criticized agreement. In other news, Russia has expressed its
European Union
The European Union's (EU) drive for increased military autonomy and integration is underway, with the Nice summit expected to finalize the details of the EU's defence policy. However, the debate surrounding the relationship between the EU and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) remains contentious, with key
European Union
European Union leaders have agreed to move forward with plans for a European army, but have toned down initial statements that would have declared the force independent of NATO. The decision was met with objections from Britain and concerns from the US, with Defense Secretary William S. Cohen warning that
United Kingdom
European Union leaders are set to agree a defence deal at their summit in Nice, France, which Britain claims backs its stance on the proposed European Rapid Reaction Force. The deal, which was due to be signed today, would see the EU using Nato planning capabilities, a move snubbed by
United Kingdom
A significant rift between Britain and France has emerged at the EU summit in Nice, France, over the creation of Europe's new defence force. The dispute, sparked by French President Jacques Chirac's demand for an independent EU military planning capability, has raised concerns among British ministers
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Tony Blair made a speech in Croatia yesterday, claiming that the alternative to Labour's pro-European policy is narrow-minded nationalism and misguided patriotism. The prime minister criticized the Conservative party's stance on the European Union's plans for a rapid reaction force, which will be used
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Tony Blair launched his fiercest attack yet on the Eurosceptic press, denouncing it as fundamentally dishonest in its coverage of plans for an EU defence force. The Prime Minister's remarks, during a visit to Moscow, were seen as part of a new uncompromisingly pro-European strategy as Tory opposition
European Union
Britain and France have made significant progress in setting up an historic Europe-only rapid deployment force, with the UK offering its permanent joint headquarters at Northwood to command future European Union-led military operations. France has offered its Centre Operational Interarmees headquarters, marking a significant shift in their military cooperation. The
