Politics

European Commission set preparatory steps for a €90bn support loan to Ukraine and approved defense procurement derogations to accelerate drone production.

EU clinched a customs code reform as France hosted G7 diplomacy, Germany trained for information warfare, the UK pushed defence industry, the Netherlands funded agri-nature, and US leaders stressed space security.

MEPs adopted a Global Gateway review and set conditions for the EU-US Turnberry tariff deal, pressing for transparency, safeguards, and accountability in external economic policy.

HM Government awarded £283.5m to maintain 3,000 small defence vessels, creating 100+ jobs, aligned with a procurement drive highlighted by a ministerial speech on 25 March 2026.

UK backed Gulf partners at HRC 61 and cautioned against overreach on reparations, amid G7 and EU focus on regional security.

UK and Germany progress joint development of long-range precision missiles, reinforcing defence capabilities amid Middle East tensions.