# European Union
The European Commission is launching the EU–Ukraine Drone Alliance and is seeking founding members
The European Commission has launched a call for applications for those wishing to become founding members of the new EU–Ukraine Drone Alliance. The selection process will run until 25 May, and the successful candidates will form the Alliance’s first board of directors.
France has stated that there will be no “shortcut” to Ukraine’s accession to the EU
France supports Ukraine’s gradual rapprochement with the European Union, but does not see any scope for a simplified procedure for full membership. Benjamin Addad, Minister Delegate for European Affairs, stated that accession to the EU requires reforms, adherence to European values and compliance with the Union’s legislative requirements.
Bulgaria has officially joined the eurozone
On 1 January 2026, Bulgaria officially adopted the euro and became the 21st member of the eurozone. The final decision to introduce the single European currency was taken by the Council of the EU back in July 2025, when it adopted the necessary legal acts and set the fixed exchange rate for the Bulgarian lev.
An unidentified drone has been spotted in Finland
On Sunday, 3 May, a suspected violation of Finnish airspace by an unidentified unmanned aerial vehicle was recorded in eastern Finland
200,000 call-up notices: how ‘soft conscription’ works in Germany
A large-scale recruitment campaign for the armed forces is gaining momentum in Germany. Since 15 January, the Bundeswehr has sent out almost 200,000 letters to 18-year-old young men and women, urging them to enlist
An air corridor for Fico: a diplomatic row in the EU
The Czech Republic allowed the Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government plane to fly to Moscow, despite the air blockade imposed by Poland and the Baltic states, sparking a diplomatic row within the EU
The European Parliament has called for Russia to be held more accountable for the war against Ukraine
The European Parliament has adopted a resolution condemning Russia’s attacks on the civilian population of Ukraine and calling for stronger mechanisms to ensure accountability.
Trump has allowed for a reduction in US troops in Germany amid tensions with NATO allies
US President Donald Trump has stated that Washington is considering reducing the number of American troops in Germany. This announcement comes against a backdrop of public disagreements with European allies.
European countries have allocated over €10 billion to tackle the 2026 energy crisis
European governments have allocated nearly €10.46 billion to mitigate the impact of the energy crisis following the escalation of tensions in the Middle East. A significant portion of the funds is earmarked for general measures without a specific purpose.
Ukraine is set to receive €6 billion from the EU for drones in the second quarter of 2026
The European Union will provide Ukraine with the first tranche of defence funding under the €90 billion loan programme as early as the second quarter of 2026. The funds will be used to purchase Ukrainian drones.
The EU is considering sanctions against Israel
The European Union is considering imposing sanctions on Israeli individuals and entities that are helping Russia to circumvent sanctions.
Global military spending is rising sharply thanks to Europe, but is falling in the US
Global military spending rose by 2.9% in 2025 to reach a record $2.89 trillion, despite a significant reduction in US spending.
