Russia-Ukraine war: What is Europe’s new ballistic missile shield plan?

Nine European countries and Ukraine have launched a coalition to develop an integrated anti-ballistic missile defense architecture. Announced in Paris on July 14, 2026, the initiative aims to build Europe's own defense capabilities against ballistic missiles, driven by Russia's campaign against Ukraine and the scarcity of existing interceptors. The founding members include Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the UK, and Ukraine. This program seeks to enhance collective security and strengthen Europe's defense industry through shared effort and industrial capacity. While Europe has existing, but limited and expensive, missile defense systems, this new coalition aims to create a more comprehensive and integrated solution, with Ukraine playing a significant role due to its combat experience.

France celebrated Bastille Day with a military parade in Paris, presided over by President Emmanuel Macron and attended by international leaders including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The parade, featuring troops and aircraft from allied nations, emphasized France's rearmament and Europe's strategic awakening in response to global dangers. However, traditional firework displays and balls were cancelled nationwide due to a severe heatwave and ongoing wildfires. Firefighters battled blazes in the Fontainebleau forest, forcing evacuations, with arson being investigated. This year's wildfires have already burned more hectares than the entire previous year, impacting even traditionally cooler regions. The day also marked the 10th anniversary of a terror attack in Nice, with a minute's silence planned before the French football team's match.

Nigel Farage, the head of Reform UK, declined taxpayer-funded security last year, including a bodyguard, car, and driver, deeming it insufficient. This security provision was comparable to that offered to the leader of the opposition. The article also notes that Keir Starmer attended Bastille Day celebrations in Paris, a final international engagement before being succeeded as prime minister by Andy Burnham. During the event, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised Starmer for his role in establishing the Coalition of the Willing and his support for Ukraine. Reform MP Robert Jenrick commented that his party represents politicians who challenge the establishment.

France is hosting its Bastille Day celebrations in Paris, with many leaders from the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ attending the parade. This event is significant as it will be Emmanuel Macron’s last as president. The parade is scheduled to begin at 10 am Paris time. The presence of numerous international leaders suggests a renewed military focus for Europe, as France hopes to send a strategic signal. Final preparations are underway for the event, with leaders already in their seats.

France held its annual Bastille Day parade in Paris on Tuesday, marking the 1789 storming of the Bastille fortress. President Emmanuel Macron oversaw his tenth and final national day parade as president. The military procession was expected to draw tens of thousands of attendees in central Paris. Despite a scorching heatwave and fireworks bans in many areas, the celebrations proceeded. The parade was scheduled to precede France's World Cup semi-final match against Spain later that day.