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📘 Our 2025 Activity Report is live.
✅ 7 projects, 5,000+ people reached
✅ 153 publications
✅ 27 events, 1,000+ participants
✅ 52 weekly monitoring reports
✅ 140+ partnerships
✅ 40% audience growth
Promoting glocal peace and security through research, training and action.
👉 tinyurl.com/BtHAnnual2025
🇮🇹🤝🇪🇸🤝🇫🇷 🌊 Unifying Europe’s Naval Defense: Milestone EPC2 Agreement Signed at Euronaval 2026
Major momentum for European naval defense integration! At Euronaval 2026, leading shipbuilders Fincantieri (Italy), Navantia (Spain), and Naval Group (France) officially signed the EPC2 Consortium Agreement. This agreement marks the transition into the second phase of the Modular and Multirole Patrol Corvette (MMPC / EPC) Programme, one of the European Union's flagship naval cooperation initiatives.
Coordinated by OCCAR under the PESCO framework and supported by the European Defence Fund (EDF), the EPC project aims to address industrial fragmentation and reinforce Europe’s strategic autonomy.
In parallel, Fincantieri and Navantia executed a Heads of Agreement to establish a proposed 50:50 joint venture. This company is planned to oversee joint design coordination, common procurement, co-production, and lifecycle support for national corvette requirements as well as export opportunities.
The EPC2 phase focuses on completing preliminary and detailed vessel designs while integrating cutting-edge technologies around a common Full Combat Multipurpose (FCM) platform. Built with a modular, highly interoperable design, the new corvettes will support a wide array of operational duties—including maritime surveillance, offshore patrol, escort missions, and the protection of critical sea lines of communication.
#EuropeanDefense #NavalIndustry #Fincantieri #Navantia #NavalGroup #Corvette #Euronaval2026 #MMPC #PESCO #StrategicAutonomy #DefenseCooperation
⚖️ Beyond the Headlines: Decoding Europe’s Defence Shift
Europe’s rearmament is placing industrial strategy directly at the core of collective security. As governments balance national industrial returns with common readiness, the continent faces pressing requirements to replenish vital air defences, streamline cross-border procurement, and translate multi-billion-euro loan facilities into usable, delivered equipment.
📌 Key Takeaways
💶 The European Commission launched a second application round unlocking twenty-one point three billion euros in remaining SAFE loan capacity to finance collaborative military investments and joint procurement with Ukraine.
🛡️ The United States approved a proposed two point one billion dollar sale of five hundred Patriot PAC-3 interceptors to Ukraine funded by Canada, Germany, and Norway.
🏭 Poland was selected by Lockheed Martin to host a dedicated regional maintenance facility for European operators of Patriot PAC-3 interceptors.
🎯 The European Defence Agency and national authorities unveiled plans to establish specialized drone and counter-drone testing hubs in Latvia and the Netherlands.
🔗 linkedin.com/pulse/mapping-c…
#EuropeanDefence #NATO #SAFE #AirDefence #PatriotMissiles #Ukraine #DroneTechnology #MilitaryReadiness #DefenceIndustry #Security
🌏 Asia’s Strategic Outlook: The Week in Review
Asia’s strategic landscape this week is shaped by tightened party discipline in Beijing, expanding trilateral defense and Arctic cooperation, and friction over European-Chinese economic reciprocity as regional actors manage shifting strategic dependencies.
🎯 Key Takeaways
🇨🇳 China’s Communist Party concluded its Fifth Plenum by adopting a resolution on strict governance and ratifying the expulsion of thirty-three senior officials ahead of the 2027 Party Congress.
🤝 The foreign ministers of the United States, Japan, and South Korea signed a memorandum establishing the Trilateral Arctic Pacific Partnership to explore maritime safety and economic ties.
🏭 Japan and the United States agreed to set up an AMRAAM final-assembly facility in Japan and share technical data to increase interceptor missile production.
🇪🇺 German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier pressed Beijing on market access and export controls as bilateral trade data revealed a widening goods deficit.
🔗 linkedin.com/pulse/asia-hori…
#Asia #IndoPacific #Geopolitics #China #Japan #SouthKorea #Defense #Trade #Security #AsiaOnTheHorizon
🇫🇷 🚀 France Tests Next-Gen SyLEx Sounding Rocket for Future Submarine Deterrent
During the night of November 3 to 4, 2026, France’s defense procurement agency (DGA) conducted a successful experimental launch of the SyLEx (Système de lancement d’expériences) sounding rocket from the DGA Essais de missiles site in Biscarrosse.
Developed by ArianeGroup under DGA management, the SyLEx suborbital launcher carried critical flight experiments dedicated to developing the future submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM). Announced by Minister of the Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin, the platform also supports hypersonic demonstrator development and civilian high-atmosphere research, re-establishing a sovereign suborbital flight-test capability for France.
This milestone comes less than a month after an unarmed acceptance test was conducted from the nuclear submarine Le Vigilant. The missile is slated to enter service in the 2030s aboard Le Triomphant-class and future third-generation ballistic missile submarines.
#Defense #DGA #ArianeGroup #M51 #SyLEx #Submarine #Aerospace #France #BallisticMissile #SLBM #DefenseTech #MilitaryInnovation
🇪🇺 Europe Powers Up Chip Sovereignty with €525 Million Startup Investment
The European Union has launched a €525 million ($590 million) funding push for semiconductor startups to help them scale up faster and narrow the gap with the United States and China.
Currently, European chip design firms represent less than 1% of global revenue in the sector. To tackle this gap, the European Commission and EU member states are allocating €440 million in direct grants for commercial chip development. An additional €85 million will establish the European Chips Design Platform, offering startups essential access to design tools, IP blocks, technical support, and manufacturing capacity.
EU Tech Chief Henna Virkkunen emphasized that establishing a strong chip design ecosystem is critical to stimulating local manufacturing demand and securing Europe's semiconductor value chain.
#Semiconductors #TechSovereignty #EuropeanUnion #ChipDesign #DeepTech #Innovation #Startups #EU
Beyond the Horizon retweeted
🇬🇧🤝🇵🇱 UK and Poland Sign Strategic Warsaw Defence Plan to Reinforce Europe’s Eastern Flank
The United Kingdom and Poland have officially launched the Warsaw Defence Plan, a three-year military cooperation agreement designed to deter Russian threats and bolster security along Europe's Eastern Flank. Following a bilateral meeting in Warsaw between UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, the agreement marks the first operational phase under the new UK-Poland Security and Defence Partnership Treaty.
Key pillars of the bilateral pact include:
•Air & Missile Defence: Collaborating on next-generation air defence missiles and integrated air defence programs such as Narew and Pilica.
•Drone & Cyber Resilience: Co-developing drone and counter-drone technologies while strengthening cyber defences for military and civilian sites.
•Naval & Ammunition Production: Sharing expertise on frigate programs built on a common design—the British Type 31 and Polish Miecznik—and expanding 155mm large-calibre ammunition production through BAE Systems and PGZ.
•Baltic & NATO Exercises: Increasing maritime coordination in the Baltic Sea and preparing thousands of personnel for joint NATO exercises, including an upcoming Coalition of the Willing exercise in Poland.
Both nations remain steadfast in their coordination to support Ukraine and reinforce Europe's defence within the transatlantic NATO alliance. 🛡️🇵🇱🇬🇧
#UK #Poland #Defence #WarsawDefencePlan #EasternFlank #NATO #DefenseCooperation #EuropeanSecurity #MilitaryTech #UKDefence #PolandDefence #UkraineSupport #BalticSecurity
Beyond the Horizon retweeted
🇪🇺 Europe’s defence investment surge is creating real growth opportunities for SMEs — but only if capability, customer demand and the right financing instrument align.
𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝘅 𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀:
1️⃣ R&D – EDF & EUDIS
≈ €1 bn for collaborative defence R&D in 2026. Requires ≥3 entities from ≥3 countries. Research actions up to 100% funded. 2026 calls closed 29 Sept → focus on consortium building for next rounds.
2️⃣ Manufacturing capacity – EDIP
€275 m for key electronic components & platforms/end-products. Up to 35–50% of eligible costs. Deadline: 16 Feb 2027. Plan co-financing for the rest.
3️⃣ Growth equity – EIC STEP Scale Up Defence
€10–30 m equity to help mobilise €50–150 m+ rounds. Needs a qualified investor pre-committing ≥20%. Deadline: 28 Oct 2026. Requires investor readiness and acceptance of dilution.
4️⃣ Debt & working capital – EIB Group
€ bn security & defence target for 2026 (bank-intermediated credit, guarantees, selected venture debt). Weapons & ammunition excluded. Standard credit & eligibility checks apply.
5️⃣ Dual-use innovation – DIANA & NATO Innovation Fund
DIANA: €100 k (up to €300 k more on Mission Track) + testing/acceleration.
NATO Innovation Fund: €1 bn commercial VC (24 Allies). Separate programmes — one does not unlock the other.
6️⃣*Contracts – SAFE & national procurement
SAFE: up to €150 bn in loans to Member States for common procurement. For companies = winning contracts & supply-chain slots, not direct SME grants.
Also watch national schemes (. Bpifrance DEF’FI, KfW ERP, UKDI competitions).
Practical priorities for company leaders:
• Confirm eligibility
• Validate real end-user demand
• Match the instrument to stage & cash-flow needs
• Avoid double-funding the same costs
Grants reduce development cost, equity funds growth (with dilution), debt requires repayment, and procurement delivers revenue through successful delivery.
The strongest strategy starts with a credible capability, a defined customer need and a realistic delivery plan.
#EuropeanDefence #DefenceInnovation #SMEs #DefenceFinance #EUFunding #DualUse #ScaleUps #IndustrialPolicy #PublicProcurement
Beyond the Horizon retweeted
🚢 Arctic Shipping Surge: Northern Sea Route Transit Cargo Set to Double in 2026
Russia expects transit cargo along the Northern Sea Route (NSR) to nearly double in 2026, exceeding 7 million tonnes. Total cargo traffic across the Arctic corridor is projected to reach a record 40 million tonnes.
Key Takeaways:
Efficiency Gains: The summer-fall passage connecting Asia and Europe is 30% shorter than the Suez Canal route.
Oil Shipments Leading Growth: Increased crude exports are driving the surge, with Russian oil shipments through the route hitting approximately 20 million barrels by mid-October.
Official vs. Independent Estimates: While official projections target 7+ million tonnes, independent tracking by Norway's Centre for High North Logistics (CHNL) conservatively estimates 2026 transit volume will exceed million tonnes across roughly 150 voyages.
Pace vs. Original Targets: Despite record numbers, overall traffic remains below earlier Kremlin goals, such as the original 80-million-tonne target for 2024.
Sanctions Adaptations: As Western sanctions impact development, trade continues pivoting toward Asian markets, increasingly utilizing shadow fleet vessels for transport.
#NorthernSeaRoute #Arctic #ArcticShipping #ArcticTradeRoute #MaritimeTrade #Logistics #EnergyMarkets #GlobalTrade #ShippingIndustry
Belgium has postponed its DEFRA 2027 defence research calls to spring 2027. The announcement came one day after Prime Minister Bart De Wever offered his resignation over a failed budget.
No official body has linked the two events. In our new commentary we set out why we think they are connected, and where we are reading between the lines.
Every DEFRA call needs a decision by the Council of Ministers. A government whose own survival is unresolved is in a weak position to take one.
The same week, ODIN signed a five year partnership with imec worth 10 million euro a year. A promise already made and a decision still to be taken are not in the same position when a government falls.
Read the full commentary:
behorizon.org/belgiums-defra…
#DEFRA #Belgium #DefenceResearch #EDF #EUDefence
🇺🇸 🗳️ 2026 . Midterms: Divided Power, Global Consequences
Democratic victories in both chambers of Congress have weakened Trump’s legislative position and opened a new contest over . policy. Frustration over living costs and the Iran war helped drive the result.
From 3 January 2027, the incoming majorities will have greater power to block legislation, investigate administration decisions and challenge spending priorities. Senate control also gives Democrats leverage over judicial and senior executive appointments. Trump’s veto will remain a significant obstacle to their agenda.
Internationally, congressional pressure could influence . spending on the Iran war, assistance to Ukraine and scrutiny of concessions to Moscow. Trump nevertheless retains substantial authority over diplomacy and military operations. Pressure for a negotiated exit from Iran can coexist with continued escalation risks.
The Republican response also matters. Defeat could accelerate competition ahead of 2028, although a broader break with Trump remains uncertain.
Watch the funding decisions, appointments and diplomatic choices that follow: these will reveal how far the electoral shift translates into policy.
#USMidterms2026 #USPolitics #Geopolitics #ForeignPolicy #InternationalSecurity #Iran #Ukraine
🇪🇺 🪖 ⚠️ EU Defense Readiness 2030 Target at Risk, Warns European Commission
A draft of the European Commission's 2027 work program warns that the European Union is currently at risk of failing to meet its 2030 defense readiness objectives despite unprecedented political commitments and funding.
Key Findings & Focus Areas:
• Deficiencies Across Capabilities: A confidential European Defense Agency assessment identified significant problems across all nine priority areas for developing military capabilities under the European Readiness 2030 framework.
• Call for Greater Action: The Commission plans to urge member nations to do even more to boost resilience, preparedness, and military capabilities to enable rapid crisis response.
• Strategic Framework: Formally integrated into EU planning in March 2025 through the White Paper for European Defense - Readiness 2030, the 2030 target serves as the official milestone for preparing for potential conflict scenarios.
#EUDefense #SecurityPolicy #EuropeanCommission #Readiness2030 #EuropeanUnion #DefenseStrategy
📊 New Infographic: Germany–Japan Relations | Strengthening Economic Security and Defence Cooperation
Germany and Japan are deepening their strategic partnership, expanding cooperation across economic security, advanced technology, and defence. Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s October 2026 visit to Tokyo highlights growing efforts to connect European and Indo-Pacific security while reducing strategic dependencies and strengthening industrial resilience.
🔑 Key Takeaways
🤝 Germany and Japan are building on existing economic and military agreements to deepen bilateral cooperation, connecting Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security priorities.
🔋 Both countries are prioritising critical minerals, semiconductors, AI, and supply-chain diversification to reduce vulnerabilities and strengthen economic resilience.
🛡️ New initiatives include cybersecurity, uncrewed systems, military exercises, and exploratory discussions on fighter-aircraft development, reinforcing practical defence cooperation.
⚖️ Despite ambitious declarations, progress depends on funded industrial projects, diversified supply chains, military capabilities, and reciprocal market access for businesses.
🔗 Read the full infographic here: behorizon.org/germany-japan-…
#Germany #Japan #GermanyJapanRelations #Geopolitics #EconomicSecurity #DefenceCooperation #IndoPacific #EuropeanSecurity #SupplyChains #CriticalMinerals
Beyond the Horizon retweeted
🏭 We support a strong European defence technological and industrial base.
From finding new partners to exploring #EUfunding opportunities, we help European defence companies connect, innovate and grow.
➡️Here's how to get involved: eda.europa.eu/what-we-do/ind…
#EUDefence
🇺🇸🇯🇵🇰🇷🌏 US, Japan, and South Korea Launch New Trilateral Arctic Pacific Partnership
On the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Atlanta, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu, and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun convened to strengthen trilateral security and economic cooperation.
Key highlights from the meeting:
Arctic & Maritime Cooperation: The ministers signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) establishing the Trilateral Arctic Pacific Partnership (TAPP) to explore economic partnership and maritime collaboration in the Pacific Arctic.
Regional Security & Stability: Reaffirmed their resolute commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea (DPRK), full enforcement of UN Security Council resolutions, and the efforts of the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team. They also emphasized maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait and raised concerns regarding coercive actions in the South China, East China, and Yellow Seas.
Economic & Energy Security: Highlighted shared opposition to economic coercion and supply chain weaponization, alongside reviewing implementation of their partnership on Small Modular Reactor (SMR) deployments.
#ForeignPolicy #Diplomacy #IndoPacific #ArcticCooperation #TAPP #USJapanROK #EnergySecurity #G20
📊 New Infographic: Germany–China Relations | Balancing Economic Engagement
Germany is navigating an increasingly complex relationship with China, seeking to maintain vital economic and technological cooperation while reducing strategic dependencies and addressing unequal market access. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s October 2026 state visit highlights the growing challenges of balancing economic interests with geopolitical and European security priorities.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
🤝 Germany continues to rely on China as a major market, production base, and innovation hub. However, completely withdrawing from Chinese industrial networks could weaken German companies’ global competitiveness.
⚖️ German exports to China declined by 14.5% while imports increased by 6.2% in January–May 2026, resulting in a €42.8 billion goods trade deficit. This highlights growing economic asymmetries and concerns over market access and competition.
🌏 Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s parallel visits to Singapore, Japan, and South Korea demonstrate Germany’s efforts to strengthen alternative partnerships, diversify supply chains, and reduce excessive dependence on China.
🛡️ Germany is urging Beijing to use its influence over Moscow to help end the war in Ukraine. Ultimately, the success of the diplomatic engagement will depend on concrete improvements in market access, critical supply chains, and European security.
🔗 Read the full infographic: behorizon.org/germany-china-…
#Germany #China #Geopolitics #InternationalRelations #GermanyChinaRelations #EconomicSecurity #GlobalTrade #TradeRelations #DeRisking #SupplyChains #EuropeanSecurity
🇨🇳🤝🇨🇭Sino-Swiss Trade Accord Defies Global Protectionism
China and Switzerland signed a protocol to upgrade their free trade agreement, bucking broader global shifts toward economic protectionism. Meeting in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping and President of the Swiss Confederation Guy Parmelin hailed the accord, which grants Switzerland unusually expanded access to Chinese markets.
Here are the key takeaways:
- Pioneering European Accord: In August, Switzerland became the first European country to conclude negotiations to upgrade its free trade deal with China. The formal signing coincides with the 10th anniversary of the China-Switzerland innovative strategic partnership.
- Countering Tariffs & Barriers: The deal contrasts sharply with trade barriers established by the . and the European Union. Upgrade negotiations concluded one year after . tariffs saddled Switzerland with the highest trade duties on European exports.
-cExpanded Strategic Scope: Beyond the trade upgrade protocol, both sides witnessed the signing of key cooperation documents in scientific research, employment, and media.
- Mutual Market Certainty: President Xi noted that the agreement demonstrates political courage and open cooperation, injecting confidence into China-Europe trade. President Parmelin emphasized that the outcome directly addresses the concrete expectations of companies and stakeholders.
#GlobalTrade #SinoSwissRelations #XiJinping #GuyParmelin #FreeTrade #EconomicPolicy #China #Switzerland #InternationalDiplomacy #TradeAccord
Geopolitical Rifts & Economic Risks: Key Takeaways from the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Atlanta
The G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Atlanta (30–31 October 2026), hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlighted how rising geopolitical tensions directly fuel global economic disruption.
Here are the primary updates and insights from the gathering:
- Economic & Maritime Security: Opening sessions focused on freedom of navigation and food security, underscoring how military coercion along vital trade routes like Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Black Sea directly threatens energy supplies and global trade.
- Diplomatic Friction & Forum Inclusiveness: Disagreements over Ukraine led to the cancellation of the traditional group photograph due to European objections to appearing alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Additional dispute arose over Washington's decision not to invite South Africa.
- Critical Minerals & Competition: Discusssions targeted supply-chain resilience and critical minerals, featuring the US Pax Silica initiative to cooperate with partners concerned about China's dominance in strategic materials.
- Outlook for the Miami Summit: With ministers expected to issue a chair's statement rather than a consensus communiqué, the gathering's primary immediate value lies in maintaining diplomatic contact ahead of the December leaders' summit in Miami.
#G20 #G20Atlanta #Geopolitics #GlobalEconomy #SupplyChains #ForeignPolicy #Diplomacy
📊 New Infographic: Germany & South Korea – Economic Integration Meets Security Policy
Germany and South Korea are taking their bilateral relationship to a new level, expanding cooperation beyond traditional trade into defence, advanced technology, energy security, and geopolitical coordination. Their October 2026 Seoul Summit reflects the growing importance of connecting European and Indo-Pacific security interests while strengthening economic resilience in an increasingly competitive global environment.
🤝 Germany and South Korea are deepening their bilateral ties, building on strong economic relations and shared historical connections. Germany remains South Korea's largest trading partner within the EU, while hundreds of German companies operate across South Korea, supporting significant employment.
🛡️ Russia–North Korea military cooperation demonstrates how developments on European battlefields can directly affect security in the Indo-Pacific. Both countries recognize the need for closer intelligence sharing, defence consultations, military exchanges, and stronger security coordination.
💻 Semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, batteries, and critical minerals are becoming central pillars of bilateral cooperation. By combining South Korean manufacturing capabilities with German industrial expertise, both countries aim to build more resilient supply chains and strengthen their technological competitiveness.
🌍 US trade policies, China's industrial expansion, and South Korea's request for EU market parity highlight the challenges of balancing economic resilience with strategic interests. Turning political commitments into concrete agreements, funded projects, and improved market access will be essential to the partnership's long-term success.
🔗 Read the full infographic: behorizon.org/germany-south-…
#Germany #SouthKorea #Geopolitics #InternationalRelations #StrategicPartnership #IndoPacific #EuropeanSecurity #EconomicSecurity #GlobalTrade #DefenceCooperation #Semiconductors
