Politico Europe

Zelenskyy opens door to Ukrainian arms exports in wartime

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has announced new regulations allowing Ukrainian defense companies to export surplus, battle-tested weapons and military equipment to international buyers. The rules ensure domestic military forces maintain priority access while protecting sensitive technologies from unauthorized transfer.

Why it matters: This policy shift could generate significant revenue for Ukraine's war-torn economy and defense industry while sharing combat-proven weapons systems with allies. It marks a significant evolution in Ukraine's wartime economic and military strategy.

Keir Starmer's stack of unfinished business

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer concludes his first parliamentary session after 22 months in office with significant agenda items remaining incomplete. Despite facing considerable challenges and controversies during this period, many of his government's policy objectives have yet to be accomplished.

Why it matters: This assessment of Starmer's progress is significant as it evaluates the effectiveness of Labour's return to power after years in opposition. The unfinished agenda will shape the government's priorities and political standing heading into the next parliamentary session.

Germany strengthens US military ties as Merz-Trump tensions rise

The US military is placing a colonel within the German army's Operations Division in an unusually close collaboration between the two forces. This deepening of military cooperation comes even as political tensions grow between German opposition leader Friedrich Merz and former President Donald Trump. The integration represents a significant step in bilateral defense coordination.

Why it matters: This demonstrates that military alliances can strengthen even amid political friction, reinforcing NATO's operational cohesion. The move signals Germany's commitment to transatlantic defense cooperation regardless of domestic political dynamics.

UK eyes anti-Putin naval partnership in High North

The UK's First Sea Lord Gwyn Jenkins has signed a declaration of intent with counterparts from Nordic, Baltic, and other Joint Expeditionary Force countries to establish a naval partnership in the High North region. The initiative is positioned as a counter to Russian influence in the strategically important Arctic area. The agreement brings together naval forces from multiple European nations.

Why it matters: This partnership signals increased Western military coordination in the Arctic region, where melting ice has opened new strategic waterways and heightened geopolitical tensions with Russia. The move strengthens NATO-aligned naval cooperation in a region of growing economic and security importance.

Germany’s Merz tries to downplay row with Trump

The chancellor's attempt to steady transatlantic ties follows a recent public spat between the two leaders over the Iran war.

Two Jewish men stabbed in north London

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said police made an arrest following the "appalling attack."

Comment la galaxie libérale rêve de peser sur 2027

Faute d’incarnation incontestée, leur stratégie repose moins sur la conquête du pouvoir que sur une bataille d’influence, avec l’espoir d’imposer leurs idées aux candidats plutôt que d’en porter un jusqu’à l’Elysée.

Der Plan für die Regierungsübernahme

In dieser Woche analysieren Pauline von Pezold und Frederik Schindler den strategischen Umbau der AfD zur „Regierungspartei“. Ist die AfD personell und inhaltlich überhaupt bereit für die Macht oder droht ein Kollaps bei der Personalgewinnung? Zudem geht es um die Recherche zum Lebenslauf eines AfD-Abgeordneten im Verteidigungsausschuss. Sie zeigen: Die Selbstdarstellung als langjähriger Offizier „außer […]

Kosovo heads for yet another election after failing to elect president

Instability is increasingly undermining the Western Balkan country's EU ambitions.

Nigel Farage says his home was firebombed

An incendiary device was pushed through the Reform UK's leader letterbox in 2025.

Putin scales back Red Square military parade amid Ukraine war struggles

The Russian armed forces are laboring in the Donbas, while Ukrainian drones expose the Kremlin's vulnerabilities.

EU must have more of its own taxes from 2028, says von der Leyen

Commission president calls for next EU budget to have more money that doesn't come from national coffers.

German prosecutors arrest suspected Russian spy in Berlin

German authorities say the suspect gathered intelligence on military aid to Ukraine and eyed potential sabotage targets.

Iran war costs EU €500M a day, von der Leyen warns

The ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz has driven up global energy prices.