# European security
Latest news and articles about European security
Total: 9 articles found
Macron Signals Possible French Naval Move into Strait of Hormuz to Protect European Shipping
In Cyprus, President Emmanuel Macron said France would sustain naval forces in the Mediterranean and Red Sea and could extend deployments to the Strait of Hormuz to protect shipping and European interests. The proposal signals Paris’s readiness to project power into a volatile chokepoint but carries risks of confrontation with Iran and logistical and diplomatic challenges for coalition-building.
Explosion Outside Liège Synagogue Raises Fears of Renewed Anti‑Jewish Violence in Europe
An explosion occurred outside a synagogue in Liège, Belgium, on March 9, prompting a police cordon and an ongoing investigation; authorities have not yet disclosed the cause or reported casualties. The attack underscores persistent security concerns for Jewish communities in Europe and may spur heightened protections and political debate in Belgium and beyond.
Macron Orders an Expansion of France's Nuclear Arsenal and Ends Public Disclosure of Warhead Numbers
President Emmanuel Macron has ordered an increase in France's nuclear warhead inventory and announced that Paris will stop publicly reporting warhead totals. He argued the move is necessary amid rising international tensions, stressed that the decision to use nuclear weapons remains solely with the French head of state, and said eight European countries have shown interest in French extended deterrence proposals.
Macron Proposes Europe‑Wide Nuclear Deterrent as Germany Signs On — A Boost to EU Defence or a New Strategic Faultline?
France has proposed a ‘forward deterrence’ plan that would let French nuclear forces operate from allied European soil, with Germany as a key partner. Paris frames the initiative as complementary to NATO and a hedge against doubts about U.S. reliability, but the move has raised legal, operational and non‑proliferation concerns at home and abroad.
Queen Máxima Joins Dutch Army Reserves — A Royal Signal on European Security
Queen Máxima has joined the Dutch army reserves at 54, undergoing training and receiving the rank of soldier with a promised promotion to lieutenant-colonel upon completion. The enlistment is a symbolic show of solidarity with the armed forces amid broader European efforts to strengthen defence and reduce reliance on the United States.
Canada Pushes for a Multinational 'Defence Bank' to Finance NATO Rebuild and Boost Strategic Autonomy
Canada has proposed creating a multinational "Defence, Security and Reconstruction Bank" to mobilize up to $135 billion for NATO and European defence projects, with Isabel Hudon leading Canadian talks. Backers hope a state-backed, AAA-rated institution would provide predictable financing for rearmament and reconstruction, but achieving rating, governance and political consensus will be challenging.
Canada Proposes Multinational 'Defence Bank' to Mobilise $135bn for NATO Allies
Canada has begun coordinating with more than ten countries to create a sovereign-backed multinational defence bank aimed at raising roughly $135 billion for NATO and European defence projects. The proposal seeks an AAA rating to unlock low-cost capital but faces technical, political and governance hurdles before it can be established.
Washington to Cut About 200 Seats in NATO Advisory Bodies, Signalling a Pullback from European Security
The U.S. Department of Defense will cut about 200 American positions from NATO advisory and planning bodies, reducing U.S. personnel in committees responsible for military planning and intelligence. The move signals a Trump administration push to recalibrate U.S. engagement in European defence, placing pressure on allies to assume greater responsibility and potentially accelerating European efforts at strategic autonomy.
Germany’s Armed Forces Reach 12-Year High as Recruitment Surges
Germany’s Bundeswehr has grown to 184,200 active-duty personnel, the highest in 12 years, marking the largest intake since the suspension of conscription. The increase reflects post‑2022 defence policy shifts but leaves open questions about training, equipment and long-term sustainability.