Andrew Gray
@andrewramsaygray.bsky.social
European Affairs Editor at Reuters, covering EU & NATO from Brussels. Previously: Lanark, London, Germany, Geneva, Balkans, Iraq, West Africa & Washington. Ex-Politico editor/podcaster.
Pete Hegseth is not expected to attend next month's NATO defence ministers' meeting - 2nd time in a row that a Trump Cabinet official skips a NATO ministerial meeting.
www.reuters.com/world/hegset...
www.reuters.com/world/hegset...
Hegseth expected to skip NATO ministers' meeting next month, sources say
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is not expected to attend a NATO defence ministers' meeting in Brussels next month, two sources said, the second time in a row a Trump administration official has s...
www.reuters.com
January 29, 2026 at 4:59 PM
Pete Hegseth is not expected to attend next month's NATO defence ministers' meeting - 2nd time in a row that a Trump Cabinet official skips a NATO ministerial meeting.
www.reuters.com/world/hegset...
www.reuters.com/world/hegset...
NATO's Rutte deploys Dutch bluntness to slap down calls for a European army - an idea revived recently by Spain's foreign minister and the EU's defence commissioner.
"I think Putin will love it."
"Think again."
"Keep on dreaming."
"Hey, good luck."
"I think Putin will love it."
"Think again."
"Keep on dreaming."
"Hey, good luck."
NATO boss Rutte slaps down calls for European army prompted by Trump fears
NATO boss Mark Rutte on Monday dismissed calls by some leading European politicians for a separate European army, prompted by doubts over Donald Trump's commitment to the continent's security that wer...
www.reuters.com
January 26, 2026 at 5:06 PM
NATO's Rutte deploys Dutch bluntness to slap down calls for a European army - an idea revived recently by Spain's foreign minister and the EU's defence commissioner.
"I think Putin will love it."
"Think again."
"Keep on dreaming."
"Hey, good luck."
"I think Putin will love it."
"Think again."
"Keep on dreaming."
"Hey, good luck."
Very unusual for the head of NATO's military committee to comment like this - a clear response to Trump's remark about NATO troops in Afghanistan, even if it's not explicitly mentioned.
The fact he's done so suggests the strength of feeling in NATO military circles about that remark.
The fact he's done so suggests the strength of feeling in NATO military circles about that remark.
January 25, 2026 at 9:49 AM
Very unusual for the head of NATO's military committee to comment like this - a clear response to Trump's remark about NATO troops in Afghanistan, even if it's not explicitly mentioned.
The fact he's done so suggests the strength of feeling in NATO military circles about that remark.
The fact he's done so suggests the strength of feeling in NATO military circles about that remark.
On Greenland framework agreed by Trump & Rutte, people familiar tell us:
It's "a frame on which to build. Anything being reported on specific details is speculative."
Agreed on US-Denmark talks to update 1951 accord on US military access
Calls for prohibiting Chinese & Russian investments...
1/2
It's "a frame on which to build. Anything being reported on specific details is speculative."
Agreed on US-Denmark talks to update 1951 accord on US military access
Calls for prohibiting Chinese & Russian investments...
1/2
Trump touts 'total access' Greenland deal as NATO asks allies to step up
President Donald Trump said on Thursday he had secured total and permanent U.S. access to Greenland in a deal with NATO, whose head said allies would have to step up their commitment to Arctic securit...
www.reuters.com
January 22, 2026 at 9:36 PM
On Greenland framework agreed by Trump & Rutte, people familiar tell us:
It's "a frame on which to build. Anything being reported on specific details is speculative."
Agreed on US-Denmark talks to update 1951 accord on US military access
Calls for prohibiting Chinese & Russian investments...
1/2
It's "a frame on which to build. Anything being reported on specific details is speculative."
Agreed on US-Denmark talks to update 1951 accord on US military access
Calls for prohibiting Chinese & Russian investments...
1/2
The time for flattering Donald Trump is over, says former NATO boss Anders Fogh Rasmussen.
"It's really the future of NATO that is at stake," he told me today.
Rasmussen has a unique perspective on the Greenland crisis as a former Danish PM and ex-NATO secretary general.
Interview:
"It's really the future of NATO that is at stake," he told me today.
Rasmussen has a unique perspective on the Greenland crisis as a former Danish PM and ex-NATO secretary general.
Interview:
Greenland crisis shows time for flattering Trump is over, former NATO boss Rasmussen says
The time for flattering Donald Trump is over and Europe should hit back hard economically if the U.S. imposes tariffs on NATO allies that sent troops to Greenland, ex-NATO boss and former Danish Prime...
www.reuters.com
January 20, 2026 at 2:41 PM
The time for flattering Donald Trump is over, says former NATO boss Anders Fogh Rasmussen.
"It's really the future of NATO that is at stake," he told me today.
Rasmussen has a unique perspective on the Greenland crisis as a former Danish PM and ex-NATO secretary general.
Interview:
"It's really the future of NATO that is at stake," he told me today.
Rasmussen has a unique perspective on the Greenland crisis as a former Danish PM and ex-NATO secretary general.
Interview:
NATO's existential bind over Greenland in a nutshell, from our analysis last week.
tinyurl.com/5x8ye7z3
tinyurl.com/5x8ye7z3
January 18, 2026 at 11:03 AM
NATO's existential bind over Greenland in a nutshell, from our analysis last week.
tinyurl.com/5x8ye7z3
tinyurl.com/5x8ye7z3
NATO is in a bind. Trump's Greenland push threatens its very existence. But NATO's power to influence the standoff is limited.
It is scrambling for more Arctic security measures. But Trump has insisted nothing less than U.S. ownership of Greenland will do.
Analysis by @liliebayer.bsky.social & me.
It is scrambling for more Arctic security measures. But Trump has insisted nothing less than U.S. ownership of Greenland will do.
Analysis by @liliebayer.bsky.social & me.
Trump's Greenland push prompts NATO scramble for Arctic security ideas - and survival
The NATO security alliance that has protected Europe for decades finds itself with limited power to determine its own fate due to President Donald Trump’s desire for U.S. ownership of Greenland.
www.reuters.com
January 15, 2026 at 2:11 PM
NATO is in a bind. Trump's Greenland push threatens its very existence. But NATO's power to influence the standoff is limited.
It is scrambling for more Arctic security measures. But Trump has insisted nothing less than U.S. ownership of Greenland will do.
Analysis by @liliebayer.bsky.social & me.
It is scrambling for more Arctic security measures. But Trump has insisted nothing less than U.S. ownership of Greenland will do.
Analysis by @liliebayer.bsky.social & me.
Recommended reading from @jacobgronholt.bsky.social in Nuuk, focusing on the human side of the Greenland standoff.
Greenlanders watch nervously for signs from White House talks
In a blue wooden house perched above Nuuk's sprawling fjord, Liv Aurora Jensen sat in her living room surrounded by the trappings of Greenlandic life — handmade cutting boards and ceramics, and Greenl...
www.reuters.com
January 15, 2026 at 11:13 AM
Recommended reading from @jacobgronholt.bsky.social in Nuuk, focusing on the human side of the Greenland standoff.
I asked NATO boss Mark Rutte at a @reneweurope.bsky.social event today whether it was acceptable for one member to threaten the use of force to take the territory of another.
He declined to answer, referring to a previous answer about not being able to comment on internal discussions.
He declined to answer, referring to a previous answer about not being able to comment on internal discussions.
January 13, 2026 at 2:56 PM
I asked NATO boss Mark Rutte at a @reneweurope.bsky.social event today whether it was acceptable for one member to threaten the use of force to take the territory of another.
He declined to answer, referring to a previous answer about not being able to comment on internal discussions.
He declined to answer, referring to a previous answer about not being able to comment on internal discussions.
Moral of the story:
In Brussels, whatever anyone tells you,
there is never only one game in town.
In Brussels, whatever anyone tells you,
there is never only one game in town.
EU's Ukraine funding deal keeps Kyiv in fight, Russian assets in deep freeze
European Union leaders claimed victory after agreeing a 90 billion euro ($105 billion) loan to keep Ukraine financially afloat and in the fight against Russia’s invasion for the next two years – but i...
www.reuters.com
December 19, 2025 at 8:39 AM
Moral of the story:
In Brussels, whatever anyone tells you,
there is never only one game in town.
In Brussels, whatever anyone tells you,
there is never only one game in town.
Just ICYMI last night: European Commission considering a SAFE 2.0…
New: European Commission is considering a sequel to its multi-billion-euro SAFE loans scheme for defence spending.
At a Politico event tonight, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said some member states were asking for a second SAFE.
EU officials say it's under active consideration.
At a Politico event tonight, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said some member states were asking for a second SAFE.
EU officials say it's under active consideration.
EU Commission considers second SAFE loans scheme for defence projects, sources say
The European Commission is considering launching a second edition of its multi-billion-euro SAFE loans scheme for defence projects as Europe seeks to bolster its defences due to growing fears of Russi...
www.reuters.com
December 12, 2025 at 6:24 AM
Just ICYMI last night: European Commission considering a SAFE 2.0…
New: European Commission is considering a sequel to its multi-billion-euro SAFE loans scheme for defence spending.
At a Politico event tonight, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said some member states were asking for a second SAFE.
EU officials say it's under active consideration.
At a Politico event tonight, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said some member states were asking for a second SAFE.
EU officials say it's under active consideration.
EU Commission considers second SAFE loans scheme for defence projects, sources say
The European Commission is considering launching a second edition of its multi-billion-euro SAFE loans scheme for defence projects as Europe seeks to bolster its defences due to growing fears of Russi...
www.reuters.com
December 11, 2025 at 10:20 PM
New: European Commission is considering a sequel to its multi-billion-euro SAFE loans scheme for defence spending.
At a Politico event tonight, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said some member states were asking for a second SAFE.
EU officials say it's under active consideration.
At a Politico event tonight, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said some member states were asking for a second SAFE.
EU officials say it's under active consideration.
Analysis ahead of Witkoff-Putin meeting today:
However Trump’s latest push to end the war in Ukraine pans out, Europe fears the prospect of a deal – sooner or later – that will not punish or weaken Russia as its leaders had hoped, placing the continent’s security in greater jeopardy.
However Trump’s latest push to end the war in Ukraine pans out, Europe fears the prospect of a deal – sooner or later – that will not punish or weaken Russia as its leaders had hoped, placing the continent’s security in greater jeopardy.
Trump's push to end Ukraine war raises fears of 'ugly deal' for Europe
However Donald Trump’s latest push to end the war in Ukraine pans out, Europe fears the prospect of a deal – sooner or later – that will not punish or weaken Russia as its leaders had hoped, placing t...
www.reuters.com
December 2, 2025 at 7:54 AM
Analysis ahead of Witkoff-Putin meeting today:
However Trump’s latest push to end the war in Ukraine pans out, Europe fears the prospect of a deal – sooner or later – that will not punish or weaken Russia as its leaders had hoped, placing the continent’s security in greater jeopardy.
However Trump’s latest push to end the war in Ukraine pans out, Europe fears the prospect of a deal – sooner or later – that will not punish or weaken Russia as its leaders had hoped, placing the continent’s security in greater jeopardy.
Worth looking closely at what European leaders say on Ukrainian army limits.
Von der Leyen today: "There can be no limitations on Ukraine's armed forces that would leave the country vulnerable to future attacks."
Not quite a flat 'no limts', leaves open for discussion how high a cap might be. 1/2
Von der Leyen today: "There can be no limitations on Ukraine's armed forces that would leave the country vulnerable to future attacks."
Not quite a flat 'no limts', leaves open for discussion how high a cap might be. 1/2
November 26, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Worth looking closely at what European leaders say on Ukrainian army limits.
Von der Leyen today: "There can be no limitations on Ukraine's armed forces that would leave the country vulnerable to future attacks."
Not quite a flat 'no limts', leaves open for discussion how high a cap might be. 1/2
Von der Leyen today: "There can be no limitations on Ukraine's armed forces that would leave the country vulnerable to future attacks."
Not quite a flat 'no limts', leaves open for discussion how high a cap might be. 1/2
We've published the full text of a European counter-proposal to the U.S. 28-point Ukraine peace plan, seen by Reuters.
The document, drafted by Europe's E3 powers of Britain, France and Germany, takes the U.S. plan as its basis but goes through point by point with suggested changes & deletions.
The document, drafted by Europe's E3 powers of Britain, France and Germany, takes the U.S. plan as its basis but goes through point by point with suggested changes & deletions.
www.reuters.com
November 23, 2025 at 5:34 PM
We've published the full text of a European counter-proposal to the U.S. 28-point Ukraine peace plan, seen by Reuters.
The document, drafted by Europe's E3 powers of Britain, France and Germany, takes the U.S. plan as its basis but goes through point by point with suggested changes & deletions.
The document, drafted by Europe's E3 powers of Britain, France and Germany, takes the U.S. plan as its basis but goes through point by point with suggested changes & deletions.
New from us:
Europeans have submitted a modified version of the United States' peace plan for Ukraine that pushes back on proposed limits to Kyiv's armed forces and territorial concessions, according to a document seen by Reuters on Sunday.
Story below, we'll also publish full text.
Europeans have submitted a modified version of the United States' peace plan for Ukraine that pushes back on proposed limits to Kyiv's armed forces and territorial concessions, according to a document seen by Reuters on Sunday.
Story below, we'll also publish full text.
www.reuters.com
November 23, 2025 at 4:34 PM
New from us:
Europeans have submitted a modified version of the United States' peace plan for Ukraine that pushes back on proposed limits to Kyiv's armed forces and territorial concessions, according to a document seen by Reuters on Sunday.
Story below, we'll also publish full text.
Europeans have submitted a modified version of the United States' peace plan for Ukraine that pushes back on proposed limits to Kyiv's armed forces and territorial concessions, according to a document seen by Reuters on Sunday.
Story below, we'll also publish full text.
EU foreign policy chief @kajakallas.bsky.social sending a very visual message on Ukraine at EU-Indo Pacific ministerial meeting.
November 21, 2025 at 1:36 PM
EU foreign policy chief @kajakallas.bsky.social sending a very visual message on Ukraine at EU-Indo Pacific ministerial meeting.
Reposted by Andrew Gray
Ukraine is showing "remarkable commitment" to joining the EU, but must reverse recent negative trends in the fight against corruption and accelerate rule of law reforms, the European Commission said in a draft text seen by Reuters on Monday.
November 3, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Ukraine is showing "remarkable commitment" to joining the EU, but must reverse recent negative trends in the fight against corruption and accelerate rule of law reforms, the European Commission said in a draft text seen by Reuters on Monday.
European leaders' statement on Ukraine:
"We remain committed to the principle that international borders must not be changed by force."
"We remain committed to the principle that international borders must not be changed by force."
Joint statement on Ukraine: 21 October 2025
Statement by President Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Starmer, Chancellor Merz, President Macron, Prime Minister Meloni, Prime Minister Tusk, President von der Leyen, President Costa, Prime Minister Støre...
www.gov.uk
October 21, 2025 at 7:55 AM
European leaders' statement on Ukraine:
"We remain committed to the principle that international borders must not be changed by force."
"We remain committed to the principle that international borders must not be changed by force."
Here's our deep dive into the EU's drone wall (which, as we reported yesterday, is getting a new name).
We get into the politics, the technicalities and lessons from Ukraine.
A great team effort from Reuters colleagues across Europe. Thanks to them all & everyone who spoke to us.
We get into the politics, the technicalities and lessons from Ukraine.
A great team effort from Reuters colleagues across Europe. Thanks to them all & everyone who spoke to us.
EU scramble for anti-Russia 'drone wall' hits political, technical hurdles
Just hours after some 20 Russian drones entered Polish airspace last month, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said it was time for Europe to build a "drone wall" to protect its eastern flank.
www.reuters.com
October 15, 2025 at 7:49 AM
Here's our deep dive into the EU's drone wall (which, as we reported yesterday, is getting a new name).
We get into the politics, the technicalities and lessons from Ukraine.
A great team effort from Reuters colleagues across Europe. Thanks to them all & everyone who spoke to us.
We get into the politics, the technicalities and lessons from Ukraine.
A great team effort from Reuters colleagues across Europe. Thanks to them all & everyone who spoke to us.
Updated story: Drone wall is changing. Get ready for EDDI - European Drone Defence Initiative.
EU Commission proposes expanding 'drone wall' plan to protect more areas, sources say
The European Commission has proposed expanding an initiative for a "drone wall" on Europe's eastern flank to protect all of the continent after some regions said they felt left out, two EU officials and an EU diplomat told Reuters on Tuesday.
www.reuters.com
October 14, 2025 at 10:31 AM
Updated story: Drone wall is changing. Get ready for EDDI - European Drone Defence Initiative.
Just published on Reuters, from me and @liliebayer.bsky.social :
The European Commission has broadened its proposal of a "drone wall" on Europe's eastern flank to suggest a "European Drone Defence Initiative" that would help protect the whole continent, two EU officials and an EU diplomat said.
The European Commission has broadened its proposal of a "drone wall" on Europe's eastern flank to suggest a "European Drone Defence Initiative" that would help protect the whole continent, two EU officials and an EU diplomat said.
October 14, 2025 at 9:10 AM
Just published on Reuters, from me and @liliebayer.bsky.social :
The European Commission has broadened its proposal of a "drone wall" on Europe's eastern flank to suggest a "European Drone Defence Initiative" that would help protect the whole continent, two EU officials and an EU diplomat said.
The European Commission has broadened its proposal of a "drone wall" on Europe's eastern flank to suggest a "European Drone Defence Initiative" that would help protect the whole continent, two EU officials and an EU diplomat said.
3 observations from 2 days of European summits in Copenhagen:
1. Proposal to use Russian frozen assets for a big loan to Ukraine has legs.
Won’t be easy to get over the line. Belgian PM De Wever gave punchy warnings of dangers and difficulties.
But a lot of leaders want to push ahead.
1. Proposal to use Russian frozen assets for a big loan to Ukraine has legs.
Won’t be easy to get over the line. Belgian PM De Wever gave punchy warnings of dangers and difficulties.
But a lot of leaders want to push ahead.
Belgium says EU leaders must share risk to use frozen Russian assets for Ukraine
Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever said on Thursday he asked other European Union leaders to give guarantees they would share the risks if frozen Russian assets held in his country were used to finance loans to Ukraine.
www.reuters.com
October 2, 2025 at 4:55 PM
3 observations from 2 days of European summits in Copenhagen:
1. Proposal to use Russian frozen assets for a big loan to Ukraine has legs.
Won’t be easy to get over the line. Belgian PM De Wever gave punchy warnings of dangers and difficulties.
But a lot of leaders want to push ahead.
1. Proposal to use Russian frozen assets for a big loan to Ukraine has legs.
Won’t be easy to get over the line. Belgian PM De Wever gave punchy warnings of dangers and difficulties.
But a lot of leaders want to push ahead.
Good morning from Copenhagen, where EU leaders meet in the midst of drone anxiety.
On the agenda: European defence and support for Ukraine.
European Commission says it has answers - 'drone wall' and a big loan to Kyiv using frozen Russian assets.
But both pose many questions.
Our preview:
On the agenda: European defence and support for Ukraine.
European Commission says it has answers - 'drone wall' and a big loan to Kyiv using frozen Russian assets.
But both pose many questions.
Our preview:
EU leaders to discuss 'drone wall' in Denmark, days after airspace violations
European Union leaders will discuss proposals for a "drone wall" to protect the continent at a summit on Wednesday in Copenhagen, just days after airspace intrusions by unidentified unmanned aircraft forced a temporary closure of Danish airports.
www.reuters.com
October 1, 2025 at 6:43 AM
Good morning from Copenhagen, where EU leaders meet in the midst of drone anxiety.
On the agenda: European defence and support for Ukraine.
European Commission says it has answers - 'drone wall' and a big loan to Kyiv using frozen Russian assets.
But both pose many questions.
Our preview:
On the agenda: European defence and support for Ukraine.
European Commission says it has answers - 'drone wall' and a big loan to Kyiv using frozen Russian assets.
But both pose many questions.
Our preview:
Happy 70th birthday to the BBC's From Our Own Correspondent radio show.
I had the pleasure of contributing a few pieces some years back. This is the online magazine version of my favourite - the BBC called the episode "The Smell of History".
www.bbc.com/news/magazin...
I had the pleasure of contributing a few pieces some years back. This is the online magazine version of my favourite - the BBC called the episode "The Smell of History".
www.bbc.com/news/magazin...
The last perfumer of Belgrade
In the 1950s, the perfume industry boomed in Belgrade - now, there is only one perfume shop left in the Serbian capital. Andrew Gray went to visit.
www.bbc.com
September 26, 2025 at 10:43 AM
Happy 70th birthday to the BBC's From Our Own Correspondent radio show.
I had the pleasure of contributing a few pieces some years back. This is the online magazine version of my favourite - the BBC called the episode "The Smell of History".
www.bbc.com/news/magazin...
I had the pleasure of contributing a few pieces some years back. This is the online magazine version of my favourite - the BBC called the episode "The Smell of History".
www.bbc.com/news/magazin...