The European Union unveiled plans on Wednesday to lower barriers for moving military equipment and troops across Europe amid rising concern of Russian aggression. The 28-member bloc has sought to better integrate defense capabilities and capacities with a vision towards creating a European Defense Union by 2025 and meeting NATO priorities for swift military movements. Source: Deutsche Welle
Will be able to assess NK’s economy on the ground and flesh out areas for cooperation. The 17 chaebol chairmen and business figures that will accompany the South Korean delegation to the Pyongyang summit will have the opportunity to personally assess, “out in the field” in North Korea, the possibilities and limits of inter-Korean economic cooperation. Source Hankyoreh
South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un jointly announced the September Pyongyang Declaration, which includes an agreement by North Korea to permanently shut down its missile engine test site and launch pad at Dongchang Village. The agreement also includes a promise to shut down the Yongbyon nuclear facility, depending on corresponding measures from the US.Source Hankyoreh
Under nationalist pressure, Bulgaria’s government looks set to oppose any move to deprive Hungary of its voting rights in the EU, due to fears of democratic backsliding. Bulgaria’s government, led by Boyko Borissov, will soon draft a position opposing a pending vote to initiate the Article 7 process that could take away Hungary’s right to vote in the Council of the EU. Source Balkan Insight
