European Union: Terrorism, Homeland Security & Defence

Sweden has modernized its defense materiel regulations following NATO membership, introducing significant changes to export controls, manufacturing permits, and security protocols. The reforms balance streamlined processes for defense industry cooperation with strengthened oversight mechanisms, particularly affecting main contractors' responsibilities and technology secrecy provisions.

Sweden has adopted its first national strategy for supply preparedness, establishing three overarching goals and 19 priority measures to ensure the flow of critical goods and services during crises. The strategy emphasizes the central role of private sector collaboration with public authorities, particularly through procurement processes and continuity planning for companies operating critical infrastructure.

The Court of Justice of the European Union's Advocate General has issued a landmark opinion establishing that EU member states may exclude companies from public procurement on national security grounds, but only under strict conditions requiring proportionality assessments, due process protections, and comprehensive judicial review. This opinion, arising from Lithuanian legislation enacted after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, could significantly influence pending EU legislative proposals on public procuremen

The Court of Justice of the European Union has ruled on the scope of EU sanctions prohibiting the broadcasting of content from listed Russian media outlets, addressing whether the term 'operator' extends beyond commercial entities to include donation-funded platforms and individuals. The judgment clarifies critical questions about personal liability under Regulation 833/2014 and the relevance of broadcast duration in determining compliance obligations.

Malta’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) framework has undergone a significant evolution following the introduction of Legal Notice 82 of 2026...

The term "Hansa" has re-emerged in modern geopolitical discourse, most notably through the 2026 Germany-Norway defence cooperation framework. This article examines how the principles of the medieval Hanseatic League—flexible coordination, shared standards, and mutual benefit without centralization—are being adapted to address contemporary challenges in defence, security, and cross-border collaboration.

On April 1, 2026, two new legal notices were officially published in the Government Gazette, through L.N. 82/2026 and L.N. 83/2026, bringing changes to the Prevention of Money Laundering...

Following the adoption of the EU anti‑money laundering legislative package and the establishment of the new EU Authority for Anti‑Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLA)...

Emerging technologies and government focus on security will drive new entrants and consolidation in the sector, but the realities of procurement remain a political and commercial challenge