The Drone at the Dock: Europe’s Ports Are Becoming Security Frontlines

A naval drone incident near Romania’s Port of Constanța turned into a symbol of Europe’s changing security landscape. This analysis argues that ports are no longer only commercial gateways, but strategic nodes where trade, energy, military mobility, cyber risk and hybrid threats meet. Using Constanța as an example, the article explores how the EU’s new port-security agenda reflects a wider shift in European security thinking.

Sovereignty as a Service – IRIS² and the EU’s New Connectivity Model

IRIS² is the EU’s bid to secure satellite connectivity for governments while also supporting commercial services. The real test is governance. Who controls access, how crisis priority is decided, and how accountability works in a long public–private concession will shape whether IRIS² actually strengthens EU autonomy.