defense
Malaysia Rises as a Regional Defence Power
Global Firepower ranks Malaysia 42nd, with a naval force of about 100 assets including 2 submarines, and a defence budget of $5.1 billion.
Author
Alvara Merrick
writer · EUReflect
Contributing writer at EUReflect.
64 stories · page 1 of 3
economy
China Moves Closer to Europe Through Egypt
Chinese investment in Egypt's Suez Canal corridor is bringing manufacturing and logistics closer to Europe's southern frontier, with bilateral trade reaching $20.7 billion in 2025.
defense
India Builds an AI-Powered Military
The new Centre of Excellence at BEL will focus on integrating AI into real-time decision-making, autonomous systems, and cyber defence, according to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
defense
India–Russia Defence Partnership in 2026
Despite Russia's share of Indian arms imports dropping to 40%, a new ₹445 crore Tunguska deal and joint projects like BrahMos keep ties strong.
politics
India’s Diplomatic Traffic Signals a More Assertive Global Role
Despite Western pressure, India maintains its Russia partnership, using platforms like the SCO to engage multiple powers simultaneously.
energy
Europe Accelerates Energy Transition
Renewables generated more electricity than fossil fuels in the EU for the first time last year, as wind and solar capacity expands.
defense
The SCO Summit and European Security
The Bishkek Declaration addressed security, trade, and technology, but notably omitted any mention of the conflict in Ukraine, highlighting the bloc's careful balancing act.
defense
Malaysia's Four-Way Balancing Act
Defence spending will rise to 1.5% of GDP by 2030, but the minister insists the build-up is not aimed at any specific country.
defense
SCO in Bishkek: Security and the European Stakes
The summit's 25th-anniversary session comes as Russia's war in Ukraine and Iran-US tensions dominate the agenda, with leaders expected to discuss the Strait of Hormuz.
defense
Uzbekistan at 35: A Defense Industry on the Rise
Uzbekistan is emerging as a regional drone hub, and its partnership with Türkiye is deepening as it seeks to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and build a self-sufficient defense ecosystem.
politics
A New European Bloc?
The E5 format, which includes the UK despite its EU exit, could form the nucleus of a new strategic bloc, with members focusing on defence production and military mobility.
technology
Small EU States Turn Brussels Funding Into Tech Power
Latvia's EU-backed investments are shifting from basic digital services to deep tech, including a federal cloud and advanced digital skills, as part of its recovery plan.
technology
Europe Bets Big on Tech
The EU's new AI Gigafactories initiative will channel up to €10 billion in public funds, aiming to mobilize an additional €20 billion from private investors.
economy
North America’s Trade War Deepens
The collapse of negotiations came after Washington introduced new conditions that Ottawa deemed unacceptable, suspending talks indefinitely.
politics
A Stable Syria, a Stronger Türkiye, a Safer Europe
The SDF's dissolution on August 25 marks a pivotal step toward centralizing state authority, potentially reshaping security dynamics along Türkiye's 900-kilometre border.
politics
A New Political System Takes Shape in Kazakhstan: Kurultai
The August 23 vote marks the first parliamentary election under a new constitution, replacing the bicameral system with a single-chamber Kurultai, a change unseen since 1991.
technology
China Accelerates AI Push Across the Economy Under “AI Plus” Initiative
The State Council's August 2025 guideline sets AI integration targets of 70% by 2027 and 90% by 2030 across key sectors, with scientific discovery as the top priority.
defense
Why EU–Pakistan Defence Cooperation Matters Now
The EU's 2019 Strategic Engagement Plan provides the framework for security cooperation, but Pakistan's strategic culture, shaped by the military since 1947, poses both opportunities and limits for partnership.
technology
The AI Race: Where the US and China Draw Their Strength
China's DeepSeek built a competitive model with a team of about 200 engineers, while Moonshot's Kimi K3 launch rattled Silicon Valley.
politics
Trump’s New Iran Strategy: Economic Pressure Without Immediate Escalation
Trump is shifting his Iran strategy toward economic pressure rather than immediate military escalation. As Tehran uses the Strait of Hormuz as leverage, Washington faces a difficult choice between maintaining pressure and creating space for a broader diplomatic settlement.
general
Two Giants of Football Collide Again: France vs. Spain
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
politics
Trump's NATO Bill: America Is Paying Too Much
Days before the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara, President Trump publicly itemised allied defence spending, labelling US contributions "ridiculous" and warning that Washington's unconditional support for the alliance cannot continue without fairer burden-sharing from European partners.
politics
Turkey–EU: Security Brings Them Together
Turkey-EU relations are entering a pragmatic rapprochement driven by security cooperation and trade interdependence. Customs Union modernization and visa liberalization remain unresolved, while regional disputes like the Blue Homeland law keep reminding both sides how fragile the relationship is.
defense
Erdoğan Calls for Balanced Burden-Sharing Ahead of Ankara NATO Summit
As Türkiye prepares to host the 36th NATO Summit in Ankara on 7-8 July, President Erdoğan has pressed for a more balanced distribution of responsibility among allies, arguing Türkiye's defence contributions should not be sidelined by narrow political interests within the alliance.
defense
Germany Rearms: Reshaping Europe's Defence
Germany is rapidly becoming Europe's leading military power through record defence spending, long-term procurement and an expanding defence industry led by Rheinmetall. Berlin's historic rearmament is reshaping European security, strengthening NATO capabilities while altering the continent's strategic balance.
general
FA Investigates Training Equipment Break-In
England’s World Cup preparations suffered a setback after training equipment was stolen from transport vehicles in Kansas City. Footballs and boots are among the items feared missing. Police launched an investigation and made two arrests as the FA assesses the impact.
conferences events festivals
Stars Shine at World Cup Opening
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially begun across the United States, Canada, and Mexico with spectacular opening ceremonies featuring Katy Perry, Future, Tyla, Shakira, and other global stars. The tournament is the largest in history, featuring 48 nations.
general
NASA’s Next Moon Mission
NASA has announced the crew for Artemis III, a mission originally intended to land astronauts on the Moon. Due to delays involving SpaceX and Blue Origin technologies, the mission will instead test lunar landing procedures in Earth orbit, paving the way for future Moon exploration.
general
Climate Challenge for FIFA 2026
Climate experts warn that up to a quarter of matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup could be played in very hot conditions. High temperatures and humidity may affect player performance, increase health risks, and challenge organizers despite cooling systems and heat-management measures.
general
Rescue Efforts Continue After Quake
A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck southern Philippines, killing at least 32 people and injuring more than 100. The quake triggered tsunami alerts across the Asia-Pacific region, caused landslides, destroyed buildings, and displaced thousands as rescue operations continue.
