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
- EU investigating BMW, Daimler and VW 'collusion'
- Spain wants special Gibraltar chapter in Brexit deal
- Italy cancels Vienna talks over South Tyrol 'dual citizenship'
- Britain will not accept Brexit deal with Irish Sea border
- Slovakia seeks witness to journalist killing
- Finland's Stubb considers running for EU commission job
- Romania ponders anti same-sex marriage referendum
- EU lawyers back Slovenia in Croatia border dispute
Interview
New book: Why war is coming
War is the likely outcome of current geopolitical trends - the decline of democracy and rise of authoritarian nationalism - says Belgian writer Koert Debeuf in his new book 'Tribalisation', to be launched in New York this week.
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.
Stakeholders' Highlights
- The Nordic gender effect goes international
- Paula Lehtomaki from Finland elected as the Council's first female Secretary General
- Nordic design sets the stage at COP24, running a competition for sustainable chairs.
- In Kenya, a motorway funded by the European Investment Bank runs over roadside dwellers
- Company Law Package: Making the Best of Digital and Cross Border Mobility,
- Civil Society Worried About Shortcomings in EU-Kyrgyzstan Human Rights Dialogue
- The European Soft Drinks Industry Supports over 1.7 Million Jobs
- Jointly Building Belt and Road Initiative Leads to a Better Future for All
- Civil society asks PACE to appoint Rapporteur to probe issue of political prisoners in Azerbaijan
- Social Mobility – How Can We Increase Opportunities Through Training and Education?
- Energy Solutions for a Greener Tomorrow
- What Kind of Europe Do Children Want? Unicef & Eurochild Launch Survey on the Europe Kids Want
Latest News
- EU promotes 'Egypt model' to reduce migrant numbers
- Tensions mount over Kosovo-Serbia deal
- New book: Why war is coming
- EU parliament will not budge on office expenses
- Why Orban's project to reshape EU politics will be unsuccessful
- 10 years after Lehman Brothers what has changed for EU consumers?
- Sefcovic launches bid to be EU Commission president
- Is Russia blackmailing the Council of Europe?
Stakeholders' Highlights
- Nordic Countries Take a Stand for Climate-Smart Energy Solutions
- China: Work Together for a Better Globalisation
- Nordics Could Be First Carbon-Negative Region in World
- Life Is Possible for Patients with Severe Asthma
- Common-Sense Approach Needed for EU Energy Reform
- Nordic Region to Lead in Developing and Rolling Out 5G Network
- China-EU Economic and Trade Relations Enjoy a Bright Future
- Empowering Businesses to Engage with Sustainable Finance and the SDGs
- Cooperation in Nordic Electricity Market Considered World Class Model
- Green Stadiums at the 2018 Fifa World Cup
- China and EU Work Together to Promote Sustainable Development
- European Ombudsman Requests More Lending Transparency from European Investment Bank
Stakeholders' Highlights
- Recycling at the FIFA World Cup in Russia
- OECD Report: Gender Equality Boosts GDP Growth in Nordic Region
- “Peace and Reconciliation Is a Process That Takes Decades” Dr. Anthony Soares on #Brexit and Northern Ireland
- MEPs Positive on China’s New Measures of Opening Up
- Old White Men are Destroying Macedonia by Romanticizing Greece
- Controversial EIB-Backed Project Under Fire at European Parliament
- Income Inequality Increasing in Nordic Countries
- EU Leaders to Cease Contact with Mahmoud Abbas Until He Apologizes for Antisemitic Comments
- Annual Report celebrates organization’s tenth anniversary
- Nordic Cooperation Needed on Green Exports and Funding
- Premier Li Confirms China Will Continue to Open Up
- Calls on Brussels University to Revoke Decision to Honour Ken Loach