EU men with guns: A comedy of errors
The EU foreign service just did a U-turn on a €50mn tender for bodyguards in Kabul, with leaked documents posing questions how a British firm with a frightening track record won it in the first place.
News in Brief
- Stimulus still needed, ECB's Draghi says in final report
- May's Brexit deal defeated by 230 votes
- German economy hit by global economic turbulence
- MEPs narrowly call for end to 'tampon tax'
- MEPs back spending €6bn on fusion energy research
- MEPs call for 'awareness campaign' on autonomous car benefits
- German glyphosate report 'copy-pasted' from industry
- Commission set to reveal controversial common tax plan
Opinion
On Morocco, will the EU ignore its own court?
If the European parliament votes in favour of the new Morocco agreement without knowing that it complies with the European Court of Justice judgement, how can it demand that other countries respect international law and their own courts?
Opinion
Trump's wall vs Europe's sea
Though we would never admit it, the only difference between Trump and the EU is we don't need a wall - because we're 'fortunate' enough to have the Mediterranean.
Very private security
EU diplomats work in some of the world's most dangerous places. The men who guard them cost millions each year. But are they any good? Does the EU award the contracts fairly? Two recent fiascos pose the questions. EUobserver investigates.
EUobserver investigative reports
EUobserver's look at private security firms is the latest in its series of investigative reports. Our investigations aim to take a critical look at events behind the scenes in EU institutions or to explore the real meaning of EU decisions.
About Andrew Rettman
Andrew Rettman writes about foreign relations for EUobserver. He joined the site in 2005 and specialises in Israel, Russia, the EU foreign service and security issues. He was born in Warsaw, Poland.
British firm to guard EU diplomats in Beirut
The EU has hired G4S, the world's largest security company, to guard its diplomats in Lebanon, amid increasing violence.
MEPs voice worry on security deals at EU embassies
MEPs have voiced concern about security arrangements at EU embassies, amid a "surprising" new decision on bodyguards in Kabul.
Controversial British firm wins EU security job in Gaza
The EU diplomatic service has confirmed that British company PPS will guard its people in Gaza and the West Bank despite the firm's poor track record.
Security firm wins EU contract despite tax problem
British private security firm Page Group has scooped a contract to protect EU diplomats in Afghanistan, but faces delays over local tax compliance.
EU bins security contract, annoys Libya
The EU foreign service has cancelled a €10 million contract with British security firm G4S in a minor diplomatic dispute with Libya.
Question marks over EU contract for Libya security firm
The EU's foreign relations service has awarded a juicy contract to British security firm G4S in Libya despite the fact it has no permission to work there.
EU to spend €50mn on private security in Afghanistan
The EU's external action service plans to spend up to €50 million on private security guards for its Afghanistan mission over the next four years.
Ashton to spend €15mn on private security firms
Catherine Ashton's foreign service is to spend €15 million on private security firms to protect diplomats in dangerous places.
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