Defence`s Feeds

On 25 June 2025, from 14:30 to 16:15, the FISC Subcommittee will host a joint public hearing with the SEDE Committee on "The European Defence Union: Tax Matters". The hearing will focus on the legislative framework governing VAT exemptions for defence-related activities carried out under the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

It will examine the 2015 Council Decision granting VAT exemptions to NATO and EU agencies for defence efforts supporting the implementation of Union activities, and assess how effectively Member States are applying these provisions.

In particular, the discussion will explore the cooperation mechanisms between the European Commission, national Ministries of Finance, and Ministries of Defence in ensuring consistent and compliant implementation of the VAT exemptions. The panel will also address the operational and administrative challenges encountered in the field. The insights gathered will contribute to the broader debate on strengthening the fiscal framework underpinning European defence initiatives, including the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) and upcoming measures under the ReArm Europe Plan and Readiness 2030 strategy.
Location : European Parliament - SPAAK (5B001) - Brussels
Programme of the hearing
Webstreaming
Mr Ludwig de Winter, Acting Head of Unit, VAT Policy (TAXUD.C.1), Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union, European Commission
     Statement
Ms Kaija Schilde, Associate Dean of Studies, Pardee School of Global Studies, Boston University
     PowerPoint Presentation
     Statement
Background document provided by the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS)
     Tax challenges facing the European defence union
Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Length of video : 50'

Disclaimer : The interpretation of debates serves to facilitate communication and does not constitute an authentic record of proceedings. Only the original speech or the revised written translation is authentic.
Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Length of video : 75'

Disclaimer : The interpretation of debates serves to facilitate communication and does not constitute an authentic record of proceedings. Only the original speech or the revised written translation is authentic.
Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Following up on SEDE's recent visit to the Republic of Moldova, SEDE Members will host on 26 June, Anatolie Nosatîi, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Moldova, to discuss the latest security and defence developments in the country, in particular the spill-over of Russia's ongoing military aggression against Ukraine and increased hybrid war activities. They will also talk about EU-Moldova security and defence cooperation, which has significantly increased over the years, namely
through European Peace Facility assistance and the EU Partnership Mission. On the same day, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, will address the SEDE Committee. In the context of important summits this week, including the NATO Hague Summit, discussions will focus on strengthening European security in the context of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and the critical importance of EU-NATO pillars for a the Transatlantic Alliance. This exchange of view will be held in association with the Delegation for relations with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.
Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council Amending Regulations (EU) 2021/1058 and (EU) 2021/1056 as regards specific measures to address strategic challenges in the context of the mid-term review
Committee on Security and Defence
Riho Terras

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on Amending Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 establishing the European Social Fund + (ESF+) as regards specific measures to address strategic challenges
Committee on Security and Defence
Urmas Paet

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

DRAFT OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulations (EU) 2021/694, (EU) 2021/695, (EU) 2021/697, (EU) 2021/1153, (EU) 2023/1525 and 2024/795, as regards incentivising defence-related investments in the EU budget to implement the ReArm Europe Plan
Committee on Security and Defence
Thijs Reuten

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

On 25 June, from 14:30 to 16:15, the FISC Subcommittee will host a joint public hearing with the SEDE Committee on "The European Defence Union: Tax Matters". The hearing will focus on the legislative framework governing VAT exemptions for defence-related activities carried out under the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).
It will examine the 2015 Council Decision granting VAT exemptions to NATO and EU agencies for defence efforts supporting the implementation of Union activities, and assess how effectively Member States are applying these provisions.

In particular, the discussion will explore the cooperation mechanisms between the European Commission, national Ministries of Finance, and Ministries of Defence in ensuring consistent and compliant implementation of the VAT exemptions. The panel will also address the operational and administrative challenges encountered in the field. The insights gathered will contribute to the broader debate on strengthening the fiscal framework underpinning European defence initiatives, including the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) and upcoming measures under the ReArm Europe Plan and Readiness 2030 strategy.
Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Length of video : 60'

Disclaimer : The interpretation of debates serves to facilitate communication and does not constitute an authentic record of proceedings. Only the original speech or the revised written translation is authentic.
Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Length of video : 45'

Disclaimer : The interpretation of debates serves to facilitate communication and does not constitute an authentic record of proceedings. Only the original speech or the revised written translation is authentic.
Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Following days of heightened tension, Israel launched a large attack against Iran in the early hours of Jun. 13, 2025, targeting leadership, nuclear research, and military sites both in Tehran and beyond. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video statement at around 0100 UTC, in which he said: “Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising […]

The post Everything We Know About Operation Rising Lion: Israel’s Attack on Iran appeared first on The Aviationist.

Americas Oshkosh won a $792.4 million modification for a three-year extension to the family of Medium Tactical Vehicles A2 contract. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of February 4, 2029. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity. A new satellite antenna from US-based Kymeta can connect to Ku- and Ka-band networks at the same time, highlighting a technical first that could reshape how military platforms stay connected in the field. Until now, operating across two bands typically requires separate antennas, adding weight, power needs, and complexity. Kymeta’s new design brings it all together in one device. Middle East & Africa Israeli defense companies plan to exhibit new weaponry at the Paris Air Show next week amid a cooling of relations with France over the conduct of the Gaza war, according to the Israeli Ministry of Defense and local defense companies. The highlight of the Israeli defense systems at the show is expected to be Rafael’s high-energy laser weapon system family: the Iron Beam 450mm, Iron Beam-M 250mm and the Lite Beam, defense officials said. Europe Lockheed Martin has inked a strategic agreement […]

The spying for China scandal involving close associates of Joseph Wu, secretary-general of Taiwan's National Security Council (NSC) and foreign [...]

The plans for a French-Ukrainian industrial partnership to operate a drone factory directly on Ukrainian soil are taking shape. French [...]

While lobbyists for Adani Group try to persuade the Trump administration to intercede in a $250m bribery case unfolding in [...]

About two dozen German A400Ms will receive missile countermeasure upgrades to enhance survivability during tactical operations. Airbus has secured a contract from the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) to equip 23 Luftwaffe A400M Atlas aircraft with Directed Infrared Counter Measures (DIRCM) systems. The upgrade will significantly enhance the […]

The post German Air Force A400M Fleet to Be Equipped with DIRCM Protection System appeared first on The Aviationist.

The Italian Air Force celebrated the phase out of the T-339A jet trainer and the phase in of its successor, the T-345A. The Italian Air Force said goodbye to its long-standing Aermacchi MB-339A jet trainer during a ceremony at Lecce-Galatina Air Base on Jun. 12, 2025. The event included both the phase out of the […]

The post Italian Air Force Says Goodbye to MB-339A Jet Trainer After 45 Years appeared first on The Aviationist.