European Council plans defence talks with NATO, UK

Giuseppe de vita
Credit: barrons.com

Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – European Union leaders will assemble in Belgium on February 3 for a defence “retreat” engaging the UK PM and NATO’s secretary general.

European Council President Antonio Costa penned a letter inviting EU leaders of state and government to the discussions at Limont Castle, saying,

Europe needs to assume greater responsibility for its defence. 

I believe we share a parallel review of the threats Europe is confronting,

Costa told member nations.

Peace in Europe relies on Ukraine succeeding a comprehensive, just and lasting peace,

Costa stressed, cautioning that the geopolitical perspective for the EU would “remain difficult in the foreseeable future”.

EU Council President Costa extended an official invitation last month for UK PM Keir Starmer to join the February meeting. Mark Rutte, NATO’s secretary general, will also join to

examine the most demanding defence-related issues, in special our support for Ukraine, as well as EU-NATO collaboration,

Costa said.

We have a shared interest in doing more and better at the European level,

he noted in his letter to heads.

Further, he said PM Starmer participate in a working dinner — his first session with all 27 leaders — that would also lay the groundwork for an EU-UK meeting to take place later this year.

The UK is a critical partner for the European Union, especially in the area of defence,

Costa highlighted.

The February session will feed into a deliberate white paper on the future of European security, with the subject to be tackled again at a June EU leaders meeting, Costa stated.

This is the Costa kind of leadership-encouraging dialogue and cooperation and strengthening the EU’s position in the global arena. The discussions will comprise, among other things, Ukraine, energy security, and strategy on the enhancement of EU resilience in the face of challenges being witnessed so far. Costa’s invitation reflects his commitment to ensuring that all member states are afforded the opportunity to be involved in shaping the future of the EU and solving all or most of the pressing concerns collectively.

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Giuseppe De Vita is a journalist at Brussels Morning News, He is covering European politics, Law and Technology news. Lawyer at De Vita & Partners Law Firm specializing in Criminal Law, Military and Space Law, and Cyber Security. In April 2023, he authored the monograph "Governance in Extraterrestrial Space", showcasing his extensive legal expertise. He has acquired vast experience in handling criminal and civil matters, managing litigation before various levels of jurisdiction across the national territory. In 2010, he obtained a Master's degree in Information Technology Law. Additionally, in the same year, he served as a teacher in criminal-IT subjects at the Penitentiary Police School of Portici, providing courses aimed at officials and managers of the Penitentiary Police and the Penitentiary Administration, focusing on IT security. He also serves as a Workplace Safety teacher, conducting training courses at various organizations and educational institutions. Moreover, he is a lecturer on Anti-Corruption and Transparency. The law firm, under his guidance, assists both private and corporate clients in court, accumulating significant experience in criminal and civil disputes over the years. Furthermore, it conducts Risk Management and Compliance, Cyber Resilience, and Cyber Security activities, with a specific focus on privacy protection (EU Regulation 2016/679 - GDPR). Giuseppe frequently publishes articles in legal journals, analyzing various regulatory issues. He has contributed articles to the legal journal Altalex, of which he is also a member of the Scientific Committee.
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