Andrew Gray
@andrewramsaygray.bsky.social
European Affairs Editor at Reuters, covering EU & NATO from Brussels. Previously: Lanark, London, Germany, Geneva, Balkans, Iraq, West Africa & Washington. Ex-Politico editor/podcaster.
Moral of the story:
In Brussels, whatever anyone tells you,
there is never only one game in town.
In Brussels, whatever anyone tells you,
there is never only one game in town.
EU's Ukraine funding deal keeps Kyiv in fight, Russian assets in deep freeze
European Union leaders claimed victory after agreeing a 90 billion euro ($105 billion) loan to keep Ukraine financially afloat and in the fight against Russia’s invasion for the next two years – but i...
www.reuters.com
December 19, 2025 at 8:39 AM
Moral of the story:
In Brussels, whatever anyone tells you,
there is never only one game in town.
In Brussels, whatever anyone tells you,
there is never only one game in town.
Just ICYMI last night: European Commission considering a SAFE 2.0…
New: European Commission is considering a sequel to its multi-billion-euro SAFE loans scheme for defence spending.
At a Politico event tonight, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said some member states were asking for a second SAFE.
EU officials say it's under active consideration.
At a Politico event tonight, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said some member states were asking for a second SAFE.
EU officials say it's under active consideration.
EU Commission considers second SAFE loans scheme for defence projects, sources say
The European Commission is considering launching a second edition of its multi-billion-euro SAFE loans scheme for defence projects as Europe seeks to bolster its defences due to growing fears of Russi...
www.reuters.com
December 12, 2025 at 6:24 AM
Just ICYMI last night: European Commission considering a SAFE 2.0…
New: European Commission is considering a sequel to its multi-billion-euro SAFE loans scheme for defence spending.
At a Politico event tonight, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said some member states were asking for a second SAFE.
EU officials say it's under active consideration.
At a Politico event tonight, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said some member states were asking for a second SAFE.
EU officials say it's under active consideration.
EU Commission considers second SAFE loans scheme for defence projects, sources say
The European Commission is considering launching a second edition of its multi-billion-euro SAFE loans scheme for defence projects as Europe seeks to bolster its defences due to growing fears of Russi...
www.reuters.com
December 11, 2025 at 10:20 PM
New: European Commission is considering a sequel to its multi-billion-euro SAFE loans scheme for defence spending.
At a Politico event tonight, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said some member states were asking for a second SAFE.
EU officials say it's under active consideration.
At a Politico event tonight, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said some member states were asking for a second SAFE.
EU officials say it's under active consideration.
Analysis ahead of Witkoff-Putin meeting today:
However Trump’s latest push to end the war in Ukraine pans out, Europe fears the prospect of a deal – sooner or later – that will not punish or weaken Russia as its leaders had hoped, placing the continent’s security in greater jeopardy.
However Trump’s latest push to end the war in Ukraine pans out, Europe fears the prospect of a deal – sooner or later – that will not punish or weaken Russia as its leaders had hoped, placing the continent’s security in greater jeopardy.
Trump's push to end Ukraine war raises fears of 'ugly deal' for Europe
However Donald Trump’s latest push to end the war in Ukraine pans out, Europe fears the prospect of a deal – sooner or later – that will not punish or weaken Russia as its leaders had hoped, placing t...
www.reuters.com
December 2, 2025 at 7:54 AM
Analysis ahead of Witkoff-Putin meeting today:
However Trump’s latest push to end the war in Ukraine pans out, Europe fears the prospect of a deal – sooner or later – that will not punish or weaken Russia as its leaders had hoped, placing the continent’s security in greater jeopardy.
However Trump’s latest push to end the war in Ukraine pans out, Europe fears the prospect of a deal – sooner or later – that will not punish or weaken Russia as its leaders had hoped, placing the continent’s security in greater jeopardy.
Worth looking closely at what European leaders say on Ukrainian army limits.
Von der Leyen today: "There can be no limitations on Ukraine's armed forces that would leave the country vulnerable to future attacks."
Not quite a flat 'no limts', leaves open for discussion how high a cap might be. 1/2
Von der Leyen today: "There can be no limitations on Ukraine's armed forces that would leave the country vulnerable to future attacks."
Not quite a flat 'no limts', leaves open for discussion how high a cap might be. 1/2
November 26, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Worth looking closely at what European leaders say on Ukrainian army limits.
Von der Leyen today: "There can be no limitations on Ukraine's armed forces that would leave the country vulnerable to future attacks."
Not quite a flat 'no limts', leaves open for discussion how high a cap might be. 1/2
Von der Leyen today: "There can be no limitations on Ukraine's armed forces that would leave the country vulnerable to future attacks."
Not quite a flat 'no limts', leaves open for discussion how high a cap might be. 1/2
We've published the full text of a European counter-proposal to the U.S. 28-point Ukraine peace plan, seen by Reuters.
The document, drafted by Europe's E3 powers of Britain, France and Germany, takes the U.S. plan as its basis but goes through point by point with suggested changes & deletions.
The document, drafted by Europe's E3 powers of Britain, France and Germany, takes the U.S. plan as its basis but goes through point by point with suggested changes & deletions.
www.reuters.com
November 23, 2025 at 5:34 PM
We've published the full text of a European counter-proposal to the U.S. 28-point Ukraine peace plan, seen by Reuters.
The document, drafted by Europe's E3 powers of Britain, France and Germany, takes the U.S. plan as its basis but goes through point by point with suggested changes & deletions.
The document, drafted by Europe's E3 powers of Britain, France and Germany, takes the U.S. plan as its basis but goes through point by point with suggested changes & deletions.
New from us:
Europeans have submitted a modified version of the United States' peace plan for Ukraine that pushes back on proposed limits to Kyiv's armed forces and territorial concessions, according to a document seen by Reuters on Sunday.
Story below, we'll also publish full text.
Europeans have submitted a modified version of the United States' peace plan for Ukraine that pushes back on proposed limits to Kyiv's armed forces and territorial concessions, according to a document seen by Reuters on Sunday.
Story below, we'll also publish full text.
www.reuters.com
November 23, 2025 at 4:34 PM
New from us:
Europeans have submitted a modified version of the United States' peace plan for Ukraine that pushes back on proposed limits to Kyiv's armed forces and territorial concessions, according to a document seen by Reuters on Sunday.
Story below, we'll also publish full text.
Europeans have submitted a modified version of the United States' peace plan for Ukraine that pushes back on proposed limits to Kyiv's armed forces and territorial concessions, according to a document seen by Reuters on Sunday.
Story below, we'll also publish full text.
EU foreign policy chief @kajakallas.bsky.social sending a very visual message on Ukraine at EU-Indo Pacific ministerial meeting.
November 21, 2025 at 1:36 PM
EU foreign policy chief @kajakallas.bsky.social sending a very visual message on Ukraine at EU-Indo Pacific ministerial meeting.
Reposted by Andrew Gray
Ukraine is showing "remarkable commitment" to joining the EU, but must reverse recent negative trends in the fight against corruption and accelerate rule of law reforms, the European Commission said in a draft text seen by Reuters on Monday.
November 3, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Ukraine is showing "remarkable commitment" to joining the EU, but must reverse recent negative trends in the fight against corruption and accelerate rule of law reforms, the European Commission said in a draft text seen by Reuters on Monday.
European leaders' statement on Ukraine:
"We remain committed to the principle that international borders must not be changed by force."
"We remain committed to the principle that international borders must not be changed by force."
Joint statement on Ukraine: 21 October 2025
Statement by President Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Starmer, Chancellor Merz, President Macron, Prime Minister Meloni, Prime Minister Tusk, President von der Leyen, President Costa, Prime Minister Støre...
www.gov.uk
October 21, 2025 at 7:55 AM
European leaders' statement on Ukraine:
"We remain committed to the principle that international borders must not be changed by force."
"We remain committed to the principle that international borders must not be changed by force."
Here's our deep dive into the EU's drone wall (which, as we reported yesterday, is getting a new name).
We get into the politics, the technicalities and lessons from Ukraine.
A great team effort from Reuters colleagues across Europe. Thanks to them all & everyone who spoke to us.
We get into the politics, the technicalities and lessons from Ukraine.
A great team effort from Reuters colleagues across Europe. Thanks to them all & everyone who spoke to us.
EU scramble for anti-Russia 'drone wall' hits political, technical hurdles
Just hours after some 20 Russian drones entered Polish airspace last month, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said it was time for Europe to build a "drone wall" to protect its eastern flank.
www.reuters.com
October 15, 2025 at 7:49 AM
Here's our deep dive into the EU's drone wall (which, as we reported yesterday, is getting a new name).
We get into the politics, the technicalities and lessons from Ukraine.
A great team effort from Reuters colleagues across Europe. Thanks to them all & everyone who spoke to us.
We get into the politics, the technicalities and lessons from Ukraine.
A great team effort from Reuters colleagues across Europe. Thanks to them all & everyone who spoke to us.
Updated story: Drone wall is changing. Get ready for EDDI - European Drone Defence Initiative.
EU Commission proposes expanding 'drone wall' plan to protect more areas, sources say
The European Commission has proposed expanding an initiative for a "drone wall" on Europe's eastern flank to protect all of the continent after some regions said they felt left out, two EU officials and an EU diplomat told Reuters on Tuesday.
www.reuters.com
October 14, 2025 at 10:31 AM
Updated story: Drone wall is changing. Get ready for EDDI - European Drone Defence Initiative.
Just published on Reuters, from me and @liliebayer.bsky.social :
The European Commission has broadened its proposal of a "drone wall" on Europe's eastern flank to suggest a "European Drone Defence Initiative" that would help protect the whole continent, two EU officials and an EU diplomat said.
The European Commission has broadened its proposal of a "drone wall" on Europe's eastern flank to suggest a "European Drone Defence Initiative" that would help protect the whole continent, two EU officials and an EU diplomat said.
October 14, 2025 at 9:10 AM
Just published on Reuters, from me and @liliebayer.bsky.social :
The European Commission has broadened its proposal of a "drone wall" on Europe's eastern flank to suggest a "European Drone Defence Initiative" that would help protect the whole continent, two EU officials and an EU diplomat said.
The European Commission has broadened its proposal of a "drone wall" on Europe's eastern flank to suggest a "European Drone Defence Initiative" that would help protect the whole continent, two EU officials and an EU diplomat said.
3 observations from 2 days of European summits in Copenhagen:
1. Proposal to use Russian frozen assets for a big loan to Ukraine has legs.
Won’t be easy to get over the line. Belgian PM De Wever gave punchy warnings of dangers and difficulties.
But a lot of leaders want to push ahead.
1. Proposal to use Russian frozen assets for a big loan to Ukraine has legs.
Won’t be easy to get over the line. Belgian PM De Wever gave punchy warnings of dangers and difficulties.
But a lot of leaders want to push ahead.
Belgium says EU leaders must share risk to use frozen Russian assets for Ukraine
Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever said on Thursday he asked other European Union leaders to give guarantees they would share the risks if frozen Russian assets held in his country were used to finance loans to Ukraine.
www.reuters.com
October 2, 2025 at 4:55 PM
3 observations from 2 days of European summits in Copenhagen:
1. Proposal to use Russian frozen assets for a big loan to Ukraine has legs.
Won’t be easy to get over the line. Belgian PM De Wever gave punchy warnings of dangers and difficulties.
But a lot of leaders want to push ahead.
1. Proposal to use Russian frozen assets for a big loan to Ukraine has legs.
Won’t be easy to get over the line. Belgian PM De Wever gave punchy warnings of dangers and difficulties.
But a lot of leaders want to push ahead.
Good morning from Copenhagen, where EU leaders meet in the midst of drone anxiety.
On the agenda: European defence and support for Ukraine.
European Commission says it has answers - 'drone wall' and a big loan to Kyiv using frozen Russian assets.
But both pose many questions.
Our preview:
On the agenda: European defence and support for Ukraine.
European Commission says it has answers - 'drone wall' and a big loan to Kyiv using frozen Russian assets.
But both pose many questions.
Our preview:
EU leaders to discuss 'drone wall' in Denmark, days after airspace violations
European Union leaders will discuss proposals for a "drone wall" to protect the continent at a summit on Wednesday in Copenhagen, just days after airspace intrusions by unidentified unmanned aircraft forced a temporary closure of Danish airports.
www.reuters.com
October 1, 2025 at 6:43 AM
Good morning from Copenhagen, where EU leaders meet in the midst of drone anxiety.
On the agenda: European defence and support for Ukraine.
European Commission says it has answers - 'drone wall' and a big loan to Kyiv using frozen Russian assets.
But both pose many questions.
Our preview:
On the agenda: European defence and support for Ukraine.
European Commission says it has answers - 'drone wall' and a big loan to Kyiv using frozen Russian assets.
But both pose many questions.
Our preview:
Happy 70th birthday to the BBC's From Our Own Correspondent radio show.
I had the pleasure of contributing a few pieces some years back. This is the online magazine version of my favourite - the BBC called the episode "The Smell of History".
www.bbc.com/news/magazin...
I had the pleasure of contributing a few pieces some years back. This is the online magazine version of my favourite - the BBC called the episode "The Smell of History".
www.bbc.com/news/magazin...
The last perfumer of Belgrade
In the 1950s, the perfume industry boomed in Belgrade - now, there is only one perfume shop left in the Serbian capital. Andrew Gray went to visit.
www.bbc.com
September 26, 2025 at 10:43 AM
Happy 70th birthday to the BBC's From Our Own Correspondent radio show.
I had the pleasure of contributing a few pieces some years back. This is the online magazine version of my favourite - the BBC called the episode "The Smell of History".
www.bbc.com/news/magazin...
I had the pleasure of contributing a few pieces some years back. This is the online magazine version of my favourite - the BBC called the episode "The Smell of History".
www.bbc.com/news/magazin...
NATO warns Russia to stop 'escalatory' actions after Estonian airspace violation
Story with @liliebayer.bsky.social
Story with @liliebayer.bsky.social
NATO warns Russia to stop 'escalatory' actions after Estonian airspace violation
NATO warned Russia on Tuesday that it would use "all necessary military and non-military tools" to defend itself as it condemned Moscow for violating Estonian airspace in "a pattern of increasingly irresponsible behaviour".
www.reuters.com
September 23, 2025 at 4:05 PM
NATO warns Russia to stop 'escalatory' actions after Estonian airspace violation
Story with @liliebayer.bsky.social
Story with @liliebayer.bsky.social
Spoke to EU defence commissioner @andriuskubilius.ec.europa.eu, who plans a videoconference next week on creating 'drone wall' on eastern border.
"We want really to move ahead with very, very intensive and effective preparations to start to fill this gap, which is really very dangerous for us."
"We want really to move ahead with very, very intensive and effective preparations to start to fill this gap, which is really very dangerous for us."
www.reuters.com
September 18, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Spoke to EU defence commissioner @andriuskubilius.ec.europa.eu, who plans a videoconference next week on creating 'drone wall' on eastern border.
"We want really to move ahead with very, very intensive and effective preparations to start to fill this gap, which is really very dangerous for us."
"We want really to move ahead with very, very intensive and effective preparations to start to fill this gap, which is really very dangerous for us."
After its aircraft intercepted drones in Polish airspace overnight, NATO sought to reassure citizens that everything had gone as it should.
But analysts say the incident raised questions about why the drones were able to enter NATO airspace and the alliance's ability to deter such threats.
But analysts say the incident raised questions about why the drones were able to enter NATO airspace and the alliance's ability to deter such threats.
Suspected Russian incursion in Poland raises drone defence questions for NATO
After NATO aircraft intercepted drones in Polish airspace overnight, the Western military alliance sought to reassure its citizens on Wednesday that everything had gone as it should.
www.reuters.com
September 10, 2025 at 4:57 PM
After its aircraft intercepted drones in Polish airspace overnight, NATO sought to reassure citizens that everything had gone as it should.
But analysts say the incident raised questions about why the drones were able to enter NATO airspace and the alliance's ability to deter such threats.
But analysts say the incident raised questions about why the drones were able to enter NATO airspace and the alliance's ability to deter such threats.
Another dispatch from Copenhagen:
EU won't confiscate frozen Russian assets for now - but will look at how to use them to help Ukraine after war.
Kallas says it's "unthinkable that Russia will ever see this money again unless it fully compensates Ukraine".
EU won't confiscate frozen Russian assets for now - but will look at how to use them to help Ukraine after war.
Kallas says it's "unthinkable that Russia will ever see this money again unless it fully compensates Ukraine".
EU to work on using frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine after war
The European Union will examine how to use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's defence and reconstruction after the war but confiscating them now is not politically realistic, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Saturday.
www.reuters.com
August 30, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Another dispatch from Copenhagen:
EU won't confiscate frozen Russian assets for now - but will look at how to use them to help Ukraine after war.
Kallas says it's "unthinkable that Russia will ever see this money again unless it fully compensates Ukraine".
EU won't confiscate frozen Russian assets for now - but will look at how to use them to help Ukraine after war.
Kallas says it's "unthinkable that Russia will ever see this money again unless it fully compensates Ukraine".
"If you don't have a unified voice ... on this topic, we don't have a voice on the global scene. So that's definitely very problematic."
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on EU divisions on Gaza.
My report from Copenhagen:
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on EU divisions on Gaza.
My report from Copenhagen:
EU ministers split over Gaza in Copenhagen meeting
European Union foreign ministers on Saturday were deeply split over the war in Gaza, with some calling for the EU to apply strong economic pressure on Israel while others made clear they were unwilling to go that far.
www.reuters.com
August 30, 2025 at 12:38 PM
"If you don't have a unified voice ... on this topic, we don't have a voice on the global scene. So that's definitely very problematic."
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on EU divisions on Gaza.
My report from Copenhagen:
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on EU divisions on Gaza.
My report from Copenhagen:
EU foreign policy...
August 1, 2025 at 3:04 PM
EU foreign policy...
Reposted by Andrew Gray
New: European Commissioners are discussing today a proposal to partially suspend Israel's access to the EU's Horizon research funding program following calls from EU governments to increase pressure on Israel over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
EU Commission discusses curbs on Israel research funding amid Gaza pressure
European Commissioners will on Monday discuss a proposal to partially suspend Israel's access to the EU's Horizon research funding program following calls from EU governments to increase pressure on Israel over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
www.reuters.com
July 28, 2025 at 12:30 PM
New: European Commissioners are discussing today a proposal to partially suspend Israel's access to the EU's Horizon research funding program following calls from EU governments to increase pressure on Israel over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Interesting reaction from @eucopresident.consilium.europa.eu to US-EU trade deal. He welcomes it but adds this:
"Let’s build on this outcome by further strengthening the EU’s competitiveness and expanding our global trade network."
"Let’s build on this outcome by further strengthening the EU’s competitiveness and expanding our global trade network."
July 27, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Interesting reaction from @eucopresident.consilium.europa.eu to US-EU trade deal. He welcomes it but adds this:
"Let’s build on this outcome by further strengthening the EU’s competitiveness and expanding our global trade network."
"Let’s build on this outcome by further strengthening the EU’s competitiveness and expanding our global trade network."
U.S. and EU agree deal imposing a 15% U.S. import tariff on most EU goods but averting trade war between two of the world's biggest economies.
US and EU clinch deal with broad 15% tariffs on EU goods to avert trade war
The deal, which includes a 15% tariff on EU goods entering the U.S. and significant EU purchases of U.S. energy and military equipment, will bring welcome clarity for EU companies though many in Europe will see it as a poor outcome.
www.reuters.com
July 27, 2025 at 6:58 PM
U.S. and EU agree deal imposing a 15% U.S. import tariff on most EU goods but averting trade war between two of the world's biggest economies.