The EU has half a dozen more defence deals planned, after signing two with Moldova and Norway in recent days, the bloc’s most senior diplomat said today (29 May).
Brussels is attempting to bolster its military credentials given the Ukraine war and possible second Trump presidency – and the next EU executive, due to take office in November, may well appoint a dedicated defence commissioner.
“Six more are in the pipeline,” EU High Representative Josep Borrell told the Schuman Forum in Brussels, after the bloc signed security and defence deals with Moldova and Norway.
“We want to create a network around the world in order to ensure that all together we can contribute better to the world’s security and peace,” added Borrell, who heads up the EU’s external action service.
That comes one day after he approved a deal with Norway, a NATO member that borders Russia, that will see cooperation in areas such as Ukraine, maritime security and peace mediation.