Defence Spending

6 stories

Europe
War in Ukraine
Russia Strikes Kyiv on Eve of NATO Summit, Killing at Least Eight
Russia struck Kyiv with ballistic and cruise missiles and drones in the early hours of Monday, killing at least eight people and wounding dozens — the second assault on the capital in a week and the last before NATO's 32 leaders meet in Ankara on 7-8 July. The attack sharpens a summit agenda dominated by air defence, a 5% spending pledge and the transatlantic dynamic with Washington — decisions that reach every European capital, Luxembourg included.
By Camille Reuter6 July 2026
Europe
European defence
Germany bets on volunteers to rebuild its army, with conscription held in reserve
Germany's modernised military service law, in force since January 2026, relies on volunteers and mandatory registration while keeping conscription in reserve — part of a Europe-wide rearmament that reaches Luxembourg and NATO.
By Camille Reuter28 June 2026
Europe
European defence
Germany passes military-service law that could revive conscription if volunteers fall short
Fifteen years after suspending the draft, Germany has enacted a military-service law that stays voluntary but lets parliament switch on 'needs-based' conscription if too few volunteers come forward — part of a Europe-wide rearmament drive that reaches Luxembourg's own NATO spending commitments.
By Camille Reuter27 June 2026
Europe
NATO
Rutte meets Trump at White House to steady NATO before Ankara summit
NATO chief Mark Rutte met Donald Trump at the White House on 24 June to ease transatlantic tensions before the 7-8 July Ankara summit, where the 5%-of-GDP spending pledge, Ukraine and US commitment to the alliance top the agenda.
By Camille Reuter24 June 2026
Europe
Foreign policy
Bettel calls Russia's war a mistake but urges the EU to talk to Putin
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel has paired a blunt verdict on Russia's invasion — that Moscow 'made a big mistake' — with a call for the EU to re-engage Vladimir Putin directly. Behind the rhetoric, Luxembourg has committed more than €550 million to Ukraine, supported every EU sanctions package and is roughly doubling its defence budget by 2030.
By Camille Reuter21 June 2026
Europe
The EU budget
Luxembourg braces for a costly fight over the EU's next budget
EU ministers met in Luxembourg on 16 June to wrangle over the bloc's 2028-2034 budget, an almost €2 trillion plan that shifts funding toward defence and competitiveness while merging cohesion and farm subsidies. For Luxembourg, a net contributor once administrative spending is stripped out, both its bill and the future of its EU-institution presence are at stake.
By Camille Reuter19 June 2026

Russia Strikes Kyiv on Eve of NATO Summit, Killing at Least Eight

Germany bets on volunteers to rebuild its army, with conscription held in reserve

Germany passes military-service law that could revive conscription if volunteers fall short

Rutte meets Trump at White House to steady NATO before Ankara summit

Bettel calls Russia's war a mistake but urges the EU to talk to Putin

Luxembourg braces for a costly fight over the EU's next budget