European Commission
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EU auditors warn bloc unlikely to meet 2030 defense readiness goal
The European Court of Auditors has published a report warning that the EU is unlikely to achieve its goal of being defense-ready by 2030, citing continued dependence on the United States and fragmented national defense systems. The report notes that EU countries increased defense spending by 79% from 2020 to 2025, yet most procurement still flows outside the bloc.
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Ukraine's cabinet submits four EU/IMF-linked reform bills to unlock €1.45 billion tranche
Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers approved and sent to the Verkhovna Rada four draft laws tied to the country's obligations to the EU and IMF. The bills are a condition for receiving the third tranche of EU macro-financial assistance worth €1.45 billion and cover VAT administration, transfer pricing, capital markets, and the High Anti-Corruption Court. Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi announced the submission and said joint work by government and parliament is needed to secure a significant portion of $29.5 billion in expected partner assistance.
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Ukraine asks EU to finance Patriot missiles from €90 billion loan; von der Leyen confirms review
Ukraine has formally requested that the European Commission finance the purchase of US-made PAC-3 interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems from the EU's €90 billion support loan. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed receipt of the request on 2 September ahead of a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels, saying EU member states are reviewing it and that the process is "moving in the right direction." Because PAC-3 missiles are produced outside the EU and Ukraine, the purchase requires a special exemption from the loan's "buy European" rule, with the final decision resting with EU member states.
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Germany attributes Leipzig explosive-drone incidents to Russia
Germany formally held Russia responsible for attempted hybrid attacks involving explosive drones near Ukrainian cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport. The incidents prompted condemnations from the EU and NATO, German measures against Russian institutions, and pledges of further support for Ukraine.