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.
Interview
EU should be 'less obsessed' with Trump, says Slovak minister
Ivan Korcok says Slovakia's EU presidency has achieved "tangible results" despite difficulties caused by Brexit and the US election. But no agreement on asylum reform is in sight.
Fillon leads French right primary as Sarkozy falls
The former French president came third in the first round of the centre-right primary election on Sunday. Francois Fillon, a pro-Russia conservative, is the new favourite for next year's presidential vote.
News in Brief
- Cyprus leaders aim for map agreement
- New three-party centre-left government in Estonia
- New three-party government in Denmark
- Support for the EU on the rise
- Brussels to name public space after murdered UK MP Jo Cox
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- No voters in Dutch Ukraine referendum 'not anti-EU'
- EU states give conditional approval to visa-free travel for Ukraine
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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