Europe & Eurasia

Defense Minister Says NATO and Terrorism are the Top Security Threats to Russia

By RIA Novosti and Moscow Times

From RIA Novosti:  Terrorism and NATO expansion near Russian borders pose key threats to Russia’s national security, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Saturday.

NATO Hones Old Role, Preparing for New

By Stephen Fidler, Wall Street Journal

Here in Poland’s northern plains, one of Europe’s historic battlegrounds, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is carrying out its biggest military exercise in seven years.

MEADS Missile Defense Destroyed Two Targets at Once – Lockheed

By Andrea Shalal-Esa, Reuters

The MEADS missile defense system developed by the United States, Italy and Germany intercepted and destroyed two targets simultaneously in a final test on Wednesday before Washington pulls out of the program, Lockheed Martin Corp said.

NATO’s Top Commander Questions Turkish Missile Deal with China

By Adrian Croft, Reuters

NATO’s top military commander urged Turkey on Wednesday to buy a missile defence system that is compatible with other NATO systems, questioning whether the $3.4 billion Chinese system that Ankara is leaning towards is suitable.

Spying: It’s What’s For Dinner

By Alex Ward

Back in September, Brazil’s President Dilma Rouseff canceled her state visit to the United States, which included the rare honor of a state dinner, because she was “incensed over a series of reports that the NSA tapped her personal communications.” This, of course, was only one grievance among many as it was revealed the United States spies on […]

Dutch Defense Minister: EU Countries Should Share Capability Plans

By Julian Hale, Defense News

Dutch Defense Minister Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert has strongly urged greater EU cooperation in capability development to address the bloc’s military shortfalls in the run-up to a December summit of EU leaders.

Eastern Partnerships Pose Deep Challenges for European Union

By Sarah Bedenbaugh

On November 5, Miroslav Lajčák, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, was the featured speaker at the Atlantic Council’s event, EU’s Eastern Partnership: The Vilnius Summit and Beyond.  Minister Lajčák’s visit to Washington comes only three short weeks before the European Union (EU) and the six former […]

EU’s Eastern Partnership: The Vilnius Summit and Beyond

On November 5, Miroslav Lajčák, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, was the featured speaker at a public event hosted by the Atlantic Council. Minister Lajčák’s visit to Washington comes only three short weeks before the European Union (EU) and the six former Soviet countries designated as […]

US and European Allies Building Libyan Army Bilaterally, Instead of Through NATO

By Frederic Wehrey , Foreign Affairs

Last month, discussing the Obama administration’s plans for a more modest Middle East policy, National Security Adviser Susan Rice noted that Washington “can’t just be consumed 24/7 by one region, important as it is.”

Kerry Praises Poland’s Role in NATO

By John Kerry, Department of State

[A]s a NATO member now for almost 15 years and as an EU member for nearly 10 years, Poland’s influence in both organizations has grown significantly over that time.