EU strategic autonomy stories

Sep 22, 2026

EU and Philippines reach breakthrough in free trade deal negotiations

The European Union and the Philippines announced a substantial breakthrough in free trade negotiations, with both sides agreeing to liberalize more than 94% of tariff lines covering over 97% of trade. The deal, announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, aims to be concluded in the coming months and represents the EU's latest effort to diversify trade ties amid global tensions and US tariffs.

Sep 22, 20265 sources

Sep 14, 2026

Tandem Health raises $100M Series B led by EU's Scaleup Europe Fund

Swedish healthtech startup Tandem Health has secured $100 million in Series B funding led by the EU-backed €5 billion Scaleup Europe Fund, with participation from existing investors including Kinnevik, Northzone, Amino Collective, and Visionaries.

Sep 14, 20262 sources

Sep 7, 2026

EU announces €200 million investment package for Greenland amid Trump annexation threats

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled a €200 million ($232 million) investment package for Greenland during a two-day visit, signaling EU solidarity with the Danish territory as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to push for annexation. The package focuses on critical minerals, satellite communications, and renewable energy.

Sep 7, 20265 sources

Sep 3, 2026

EU's ability to defend against invasion remains in doubt, official audit finds

The European Union's capacity to respond to a foreign invasion by 2030 remains uncertain due to continued reliance on the United States and fragmented national defense systems, according to a report from the EU's official auditor.

Sep 3, 20261 source

Aug 31, 2026

EU awards €388M contract to French state-owned Bull for AI supercomputer in Finland

The European Union has awarded French state-owned company Bull a €387.8 million ($449.4 million) contract to build LUMI-AI, a new AI-focused supercomputer to be located in Kajaani, northern Finland. This is Bull's largest-ever order as Europe seeks to expand computing capacity and close the gap with the United States and China.

Aug 31, 20262 sources

Aug 10, 2026

Space-based data centers spark insurance challenges and geopolitical competition

Major technology and aerospace companies are racing to build orbital data centers, prompting insurers to grapple with pricing unprecedented risks while China's advances raise concerns about Europe falling behind in the emerging strategic sector. Scientists have also raised warnings about potential impacts on night sky visibility.

Aug 10, 20265 sources

Jul 30, 2026

EU launches call for up to seven AI Gigafactories to boost computing capacity with €30 billion investment

The European Union has issued a tender to establish up to seven AI Gigafactories across Europe, aiming to enhance the continent's computing infrastructure and technological sovereignty with more than €30 billion in projected investment.

Jul 30, 20261 source

Jul 13, 2026

Intel Announces €5 Billion ($5.7 Billion) Expansion of Irish Manufacturing Hub

Intel has begun a €5 billion capital investment at its Leixlip campus near Dublin to expand manufacturing output in Europe and meet growing global demand for AI and high-performance computing chips.

Jul 13, 20262 sources

Jun 28, 2026

Austria Proposes EU Host Anthropic Following US Access Restrictions

Austria has proposed that the European Union consider hosting Anthropic within the bloc's borders in response to US efforts to block foreigners from using the AI company's models.

Jun 28, 20261 source

Jun 16, 2026

Spain Approves €719 Million Investment in AI Gigafactory

Spain has allocated €719 million ($834 million) toward building an AI gigafactory to reduce dependence on foreign technology and ensure AI development complies with European regulations.

Jun 16, 20261 source

Jun 3, 2026

European nations push for tech independence and banking integration amid US reliance concerns

France, Italy, and Spain are leading initiatives to reduce Europe's dependence on US technology while simultaneously proposing new rules to ease cross-border banking operations and reduce regulatory fragmentation across the EU.

Jun 3, 20262 sources

May 9, 2026

Former NATO Chief Warns of Alliance 'Disintegration' and Calls for European Defense Bloc

Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former NATO Secretary General and Danish Prime Minister, called for creation of a new European defense alliance independent of the US, warning of NATO's potential disintegration. The statement reflects growing European concerns about US commitment to collective defense amid Trump's Iran war policies.

May 9, 20266 sources