European Security

European security covers how the continent protects its people, borders, infrastructure and institutions. It spans military alliances, defence budgets and procurement, critical infrastructure protection, and the domestic laws and agencies that keep communities safe.

Why it matters now

The war in Ukraine has reshaped the security agenda across Europe. Energy infrastructure has become a central battleground. Attacks on power plants, refineries and grids affect civilians and economies, and they have also become a source of leverage in diplomatic negotiations. Agreements meant to limit these strikes have proven fragile, so energy security and military security are now closely linked.

Governments are also rethinking how much they spend on defence and how they spend it. Larger budgets in major economies are changing the market for weapons systems, surveillance, cyber defence and dual-use technology. They are creating openings for established contractors and newer technology firms alike. At the EU level, proposals for closer defence cooperation increasingly treat Ukraine as part of the bloc's long-term security planning rather than a separate concern.

Security also has a domestic side. Firearms regulation, the safety of public officials and the enforcement of existing laws remain live issues within individual member states.

What you'll find here

This hub gathers reporting and analysis on:

• The war in Ukraine, including strikes on energy infrastructure, ceasefire efforts and their strategic effects
• Defence spending and industry, including budget shifts, procurement and the technology companies competing for contracts
• EU and NATO policy, including defence integration, enlargement and coordination among allies
• Critical infrastructure and cyber threats to energy, communications and transport networks
• Domestic security, including law enforcement, weapons regulation and public safety incidents

Check back for ongoing coverage of the forces shaping Europe's security landscape.