The company has vowed to take “immediate action” to change things, according to a review released by BBC Workplace Culture today. Following the publication of a thorough, independent report, the BBC has declared it will immediately take action to improve workplace culture.
No toxic culture was found in the report from Change Associates, led by Grahame Russell, but it was highlighted by a number of in-depth findings and recommendations in a series of recommendations. Through one-on-one meetings, group discussions, a survey, and written submissions, the review heard from about 2,500 employees and freelancers. The BBC Board sent a request for the review in August 2024, and work will begin in October.
No evidence of a toxic workplace culture was found, according to PA Wire/Press Association Images.
The report concludes that despite their small size, their behavior causes significant ripples that have an impact on the BBC’s culture and reputation abroad.
Both BBC management and the BBC Board have fully accepted the report and its conclusions. Both believe it to be a catalyst for real change, helping to raise expectations for behavior and to act more decisively when standards are broken.
Dr. Shah, the head of the BBC, stated to the BBC today that “a small minority of people’s behavior is simply unacceptable. And there are still times when powerful people, both on and off the big screen, can abuse that power to make life miserable for their coworkers.
The report, according to Tim Davie, “is a significant moment for the BBC” (PA Archive/PA Images).
The report makes a number of suggestions that place action before procedural change, which is perfectly appropriate. Additionally, it addresses some fundamental problems, such as the need to ensure that everyone feels confident and uncowed when speaking up.
“I agree with the notion that we must raise the standards and behavior expectations of everyone who works for or for the BBC.”
There is no place for you at the BBC if you are willing to abuse power, punch down, or behave badly, he added.
“This report represents a significant moment for the BBC and the industry as a whole,” said director-general Tim Davie. It makes clear, practical recommendations that we are willing to put into practice. I want to thank everyone who participated and made a contribution.
The actions we are taking today aim to transform how everyone experiences working for the BBC, and ensure that the values that the majority of us all pledged to when we arrived are lived and supported by the entire organization every day.
The company is putting forth a revised and more stringent Code of Conduct, a stronger Disciplinary Policy, and a requirement that all TV production partners adhere to the guidelines set forth by the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority.
Additionally, they’re launching a brand-new “Call It Out” campaign that challenges unfavorable behavior and provides clear pledges for those who raise concerns.
The BBC also has a long-term strategy for changes, including expanding HR support, changing how they handle concerns and cases, and more.
Follow Mirror Celebs on Threads, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok.
To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.
Jess Anderson
journalist for BBC Sport
Few people backed Inter Milan’s progress against Pep Guardiola’s world-leading opponents when the team met with Barcelona in the semi-finals of the 2009-10 Champions League.
Both wanted to preserve a piece of history. Barcelona were trying to become the first team to claim back-to-back titles in the Champions League era while Inter were seeking a first European Cup final since 1972 and a first win in the competition since 1965.
Inter manager Jose Mourinho and Guardiola, who had previously worked together at Barca but are now fierce rivals, squared off in a fight that had a bitterness in it.
As Inter won the Serie A title, the Coppa Italia, and the Champions League, Mourinho was ultimately able to command the trophy as the first Italian team to do so.
And on 28 April 2010, he and Inter took a mighty leap towards that historic achievement.
The Special One and the King of Tiki-taka
Tension had been brewing long before the players set foot on the pitch.
After firing 2006 Champions League champion Frank Rijkaard, Barcelona were searching for a new manager in the summer of 2008.
Mourinho or Guardiola, who had a close relationship with the Portuguese when he was Spain’s captain and Sir Bobby Robson’s assistant in the 1990s, made the decision.
It was a position Mourinho had acquired having first started out as an interpreter for Robson at Sporting, before evolving into an assistant coach. He followed Robson to Barca and Porto.
The Portuguese was unhappy with his treatment while they were in Catalonia, though.
He was nicknamed ‘ the translator ‘ and felt he was not taken seriously.
Mourinho, who had by then had titles in the Champions League and Premier League on his resume, was replaced by Guardiola, who had just finished his first year in charge of Barca’s reserves.
Mourinho made the difficult choice, which sacrificed beautiful football, like Guardiola’s tiki-taka, for efficiency and a strong defense, and had a profound impact on how he would later set up his teams.
Getty Images
Guardiola’s superstars are defeated by “The Translator.”
Mourinho’s ‘ the translator ‘ nickname returned in mocking tribute in the build-up to the first leg at San Siro.
After winning the Treble the previous year, Mourinho was left with the impression that he had no chance against a Guardiola team at the height of his influence.
The first leg was played under an ash cloud after the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajokull erupted, which was already rife with drama and a gripping narrative.
It meant Barca could not fly to Italy and instead had to take a 10-hour bus journey.
It’s impossible to determine whether that affected the outcome of the game. However, it undoubtedly gave a tie that was already intriguing a theater-like quality.
“When you get to the knockouts against a team like Barcelona, you have to win your match at home”, said Mourinho in a new BBC Sport documentary – How to Win the Champions League: Jose Mourinho.
Lionel Messi, Xavi, Sergio Busquets, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who Barca had acquired from Inter in a swap deal with striker Samuel Eto’o, are all examples of Guardiola’s illustrious squad, which is of course easier said than done.
Former Inter defender Javier Zanetti is quoted as saying, “Before the first leg, Mourinho told me, you’re going to play left-back and you will mark Messi.”
“I knew Messi from the Argentina team and he was the best player in the world. Two of my team-mates pressured Messi to give him more space to play a role in every zone he went into.
Wesley Sneijder levelled before the break, but Maicon and Diego Milito’s tactics provided a 3-1 victory at a rocking San Siro, and Inter responded with a 3-1 victory thanks to Mourinho’s tactics.
Getty Images
The most stunning defeat of my career, in my opinion.
So to the second leg.
Inter needed to create a defensive masterclass to stop Guardiola’s men, supported by their eager supporters, overturning the deficit with a two-goal advantage to protect.
The players greeted as they left the Nou Camp tunnel, which was merely printed with the Catalan phrase “remuntada” – comeback.
“I think that put the pressure on them]Barcelona] because everyone believed they could do it”, said Zanetti.
That night in Spain, Mourinho relyed on his own style of play, which is synonymous with a strong defense. that along with a number of elite, knowledgeable players.
“At Inter, my bench was full of top players at the end of their careers. [Ivan] Cordoba, [Francesco] Toldo, [Marco] Materazzi, [Dejan] Stankovic. They weren’t my first choices, but they were my biggest allies, Mourinho said.
He recalled a speech made before the match by defender Cordoba in the dressing room.
He said, “This is my dream, this is my last chance,” he said. [Mourinho] Because of him, I’m not playing. He decided to put me on the bench and decided to play you. You’re going to play for me, Mourinho said.
Your work becomes much easier when you have this kind of person on the bench and in the dressing room. I knew that they would do anything for me and I would have done anything for them”.
When Thiago Motta was sent off in the 28th minute for catching Busquets in the face while holding the ball, Inter’s task became much more difficult.
Busquets scurried around on the ground while his hands were clutching his face, stopping only to move his hands in a “peekaboo” gesture to make sure the referee had received a red card.
The Brazilian’s reaction following the dismissal, man-handling Busquets in protest, only fanned the flames of a high-octane encounter.
Mourinho remarked, “We went there with a strategy to try to control, to try and bite in counter-attack.”
Motta is “sent off after about 20 minutes.” People are sometimes afraid to speak about it, I am never afraid to speak about it – the referee’s decisions are always crucial”.
With a 90,000-strong crowd on hand and a passing game that was typically excellent but failed to find the gaps, Inter sat deep and flooded their defensive areas while the hosts sat down to 10 men.
“He]Mourinho] was persuaded that we would reach the final during the second half. His confidence was contagious”, said Zanetti.
Mourinho was confident that his tactics were effective because he had already dubbed himself The Special One.
It becomes “epic” to play against Barcelona with 10 players. You need heroes. Mourinho remarked that you must get the best out of everyone.
Getty Images
High-pressure tactics and gamesmanship continually frustrated Barcelona as almost the entire second half was played in Inter’s defensive third. However, Guardiola’s superstar team probed unproven.
When Xavi’s pass was collected by Gerard Pique, who had six minutes of regular time left, Barcelona almost completely broke the Italians’ backline.
Barca’s tails were up and so was the crowd. With one more, they could tie the game and advance to the championship game in Milan.
Bojan Krkic thought he had won because he broke free in injury time in the Inter-box and lashed into the top of the net.
But the Nou Camp’s joy was short-lived as the referee gave handball against Yaya Toure in the build-up and the match finished 1-0, with Inter progressing to the final to face Bayern Munich.
Before Mourinho sprinted onto the pitch with his teammates one arm in the air to celebrate with his teammates, the final whistle had barely sounded.
Barcelona made the decision to activate the sprinklers at that time.
An attempt to annoy the Inter players and stop them from celebrating on the pitch? Possibly . It was irrelevant for Inter.
“It was the most beautiful defeat of my career”, said Mourinho.
JavaScript must be enabled in your browser to play this video.
Following his Saturday victory over Conor Benn, Chris Eubank Jr. was taken out of the hospital after being taken as a precaution.
After a grueling fight, promoter Ben Shalom claimed he was conducting “precautionary checks,” and Eubank was accepted as part of a standard procedure for boxers.
On Monday, the 35-year-old left the hospital.
In a thrilling 12-round middleweight fight at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Eubank defeated Benn unanimously.
Eubank stated in a post on social media on Monday, “Well, it took nearly three years, but we finally got the job done.”
Following a bout of wild aggression from both fighters, but neither fighter delivered the decisive blow, all three judges placed the match at 116-112.
On Saturday, Chris Eubank Sr. and his son unapologetically showed up at the venue. According to reports, Eubank Sr had allegedly been separated for years and had criticized the match-up.
Although Eubank weighed in 0.05 lbs over that weight on Friday, the middleweight limit for Saturday’s fight was set at 11st 6 lbs (160 lbs).
As Harry Potter fans delight over Rupert Grint’s surprise baby news, the Mirror takes a closer look at what members of the original cast have been up since leaving Hogwarts
For a generation of children, the Harry Potter series introduced them to a world of magic unlike anything seen before. And for those who populated the enchanted world that captured the imaginations of so many, their lives were never the same again.
It’s been 24 years since the first instalment, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, brought JK Rowling’s wildly popular book series to life, with Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson perfectly cast as the heroic trio, Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
Seven subsequent films followed, growing darker in tone as the characters matured and faced increasingly malevolent threats. Each return to Hogwarts brought plenty of adventures, unexpected twists and, naturally, cauldrons full of magic.
When the final movie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, aired in 2011, emotions ran high as the central characters waved off their own children at Platform 9 3/4s. All these years on, and with a new TV adaptation on the way, there is still so much affection for the original stars, and it was therefore unsurprising that Rupert’s recent baby news was met with such genuine joy and excitement.
Here, the Mirror takes a look at what the cast got up to next after defeating Lord Voldemort.
READ MORE: Harry Potter’s Rupert Grint shares sweet first picture of ‘secret baby’ and unique name
Daniel Radcliffe
Daniel Radcliffe has gone on to play some great roles(Image: Getty Images for The Roku Channe)
Article continues below
Since Harry Potter, Daniel Radcliffe has gone on to play some major roles. From The Woman in Black (2012) and Imperium (2016), to The Lost City (2022), the actor has continued to enjoy great success following the wizarding world.
Although he’s branched out into some diverse projects, the London-born actor will perhaps always be best known for the series that made him a household name – and being so instantly recognisable hasn’t always been easy.
During an interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show in 2022, Daniel, who has now made a life for himself in New York, joked: “They’ve just opened a massive Harry Potter store in New York, and I’ll walk past there and suddenly get there like, ‘Oh no, I’m here, I have to not be here very quickly, I have to run before somebody sees me!'”
According to IMDB, Daniel is next set to star in Now You See Me 3, which will air in November of this year. But his most important role is that of dad. In April 2023, he became a father for the first time with partner Erin Darke.
Opening up to E! News in June 2024, Daniel, now 35, described becoming a dad as “the best”. He shared: “I cry a lot more, in like a nice way. And yeah, it’s just the best thing that ever has happened to me.”
Rupert Grint
Rupert Grint has starred in various TV shows(Image: Getty Images)
Ron Weasley actor Rupert Grint is now known largely for his accomplished TV roles. Of particular note is his portrayal of Julian Pearce in the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ psychological horror series Servant, which ran from 2019 to 2023
You can also find Rupert on the TV seriesSnatch and Sick Note on Netflix, Agatha Christie’s The ABC Murders on Amazon Prime Video, and spooky Netflix anthology series Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities.
In 2023, he returned to film after an eight-year absence in M. Night Shyamalan’s Knock at the Cabin. Rupert is also a dad-of-two, welcoming a baby girl a couple of years ago with partner Georgia Groome, who is famous for her role in Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging.
The Ron Weasley actor proudly described daughter Goldie as a ’10/10 baby’(Image: instagram.com/rupertgrint)
Rupert, now 36, recently surprised fans by announcing the birth of his and Georgia’s second daughter, a little girl named Goldie. Sharing a sweet picture of the newborn on Instagram, Rupert praised childbirth expert Dr. Alex Digesu, who appears to be responsible for the baby’s safe delivery.
The proud dad wrote: “‘Secret Child Slightly Revealed’. Introducing Goldie G. Grint. A 10/10 baby (so far). Shout out to @alex.digesu for always delivering.”
Emma Watson
Emma is an advocate for gender equality as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador(Image: Getty Images)
Emma Watson, who famously played Hermione Granger, continued to make waves in Hollywood once Harry Potter came to an end. She starred in Perks of Being a Wallflower, the live action remake of Beauty and the Beast, and featured in the 2019 adaption of Little Women.
On top of her acting accolades, Emma graduated from Brown University with a bachelor’s degree in English literature. She is also an advocate for gender equality as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador.
Much like her most famous character, hardworking Emma, now 35, has a passion for learning. In 2023, she enrolled on a master’s course in creative writing at Oxford University, and is now said to be working towards a DPhil – Oxford’s version of a PhD.
It’s understood Emma has taken to life among the famous spires. Back in February, a source from the prestigious university told the Mail Online: “She mingles among other students, and blends into the background. But she does attend social events and is often spotted with her books and her boyfriend at local coffee shops.
“She started last year – she loves Oxford and has made a happy life for herself there.”
Alfred Enoch
Alfred Enoch starred in “The Couple Next Door” in 2023
In the Harry Potter films, Alfred Enoch played Dean Thomas, a Hogwarts student and a member of the Gryffindor House. He has gone on to have a very successful career.
In 2014, Alfred starred in the hit TV series How to Get Away With Murder. He played one of the main characters alongside Viola Davis and starred in 50 episodes. More recently, the 36-year-old played the male protagonist in the adaptation of The Couple Next Door.
Aside from films, Alfred is also an accomplished Shakespearean actor. Last year, in his RSC debut, the thespian played the lead in Pericles at The Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon, which ran up until October.
He’s also previously starred as Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, in a 2021 production at Shakespeare’s Globe, and as Orlando in As You Like It.
Tom Felton
Tom Felton has starred in several indie films(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images f)
Tom Felton played Harry’s nemesis Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter series, and starred in all eight films. Since then, he has taken on roles in several indie films, including The Forgotten Battle, Braking for Whales and Save the Cinema.
According to IMDB, Tom is also set to feature in Gandhi, Altered, and Canyon Del Muerto, which are all said to be in production.
In May 2022, Tom, now 37, made his West End theatre debut in the hit play 2:22 A Ghost Story. That same year, he published a memoir, Beyond the Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard, which offered an insight into life growing up in one of the most famous franchises in cinematic history.
In his memoir, Tom opened up about his difficulties with addiction and rehab, crediting one of his former co-stars for helping him come forward with such honesty. He wrote: “I was encouraged by a few people, Emma Watson specifically, to tell the whole story and not just sort of cherry-pick the fluffy bits.”
Dame Maggie Smith
Actress Dame Maggie Smith at the World Premiere of “Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire”
British icon Dame Maggie Smith starred as Professor McGonagall in the hit franchise. But she was already incredibly famous before joining the cast. From 2010, Oscar winner Maggie played the iconic Dowager Countess Violet Grantham in Downton Abbey, in what would be one of the most memorable roles of her distinguished career.
The series ran for six years, with Violet making her last poignant appearance in the 2019 sequel film, A New Era. On top of that, the beloved actress also starred in The Lady in the Van, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and A Boy Called Christmas.
Sadly, Dame Maggie passed away in September 2024 at the age of 89. In a statement issued via their publicist, her family said: “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September.
“An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days.”
Harry Melling
Harry Melling starred as
Harry Melling is famous for playing Dudley Dursley, Harry Potter’s particularly unpleasant cousin. And after leaving the magical world behind, he, has continued to work on screen.
The now 36-year-old, who studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, has appeared in several Netflix series, including The Old Guard, The Devil All the Time, The Pale Blue Eye, and most notably The Queen’s Gambit.
Fiona Shaw
Fiona Shaw played Dudley’s mother Petunia and was also Harry’s aunt
Fiona Shaw played Dudley’s very bitter mother, Petunia, who was also the sister of Lily Potter and Harry’s aunt.
Fiona’s acting career has been vast and successful. In recent years, she played a therapist in BBC’s hit show Fleabag and also starred in Killing Eve, as MI6 boss Carolyn Martens.
Last year, Fiona slipped into another villainous role in the second season of Bad Sisters, which saw her play the wickedly manipulative Angelica Collins.
The now 66-year-old has also got several up-and-coming shows, according to IMDB, including an adaptation of Hot Milk, which will air this summer, Anansi Boys, and Echo Valley.
Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com. Follow Mirror Celebs onTikTok,Snapchat,Instagram,Twitter,Facebook,YouTubeandThreads
Article continues below
READ MORE: ‘I visited “world’s most beautiful island” and May is the cheapest time to travel here’
After playing Sonia Fowler for 30 years, Natalie Cassidy claims show executives decided not to show an emotional farewell to Phil Mitchell earlier this year.
Natalie Cassidy revealed a big moment was left out from her character’s exit(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Soap icon Natalie Cassidy has opened up about her EastEnders exit – and she isn’t satisfied by how BBC bosses handled her goodbye.
Following a remarkable three-decade tenure on the Square, the 41-year-old actress, who is renowned for her long-running role as Sonia Fowler, bid farewell to the show earlier this year. Fans recently witnessed Sonia’s dramatic Walford exit with her signature trumpet and speedboat.
But it wasn’t the perfect goodbye. It appears the writers decided against showing an emotional scene between Sonia and Phil Mitchell, who bonded over the sudden death of Jamie, who died on Christmas Day in 2002 after being struck by a car driven by his rival Martin Fowler.
Natalie claimed that the scene was removed from her on-screen exit and that she was unhappy because of it, and that she had been speaking on her Off The Telly podcast, which Joanna Page co-hosts. I think they cut out the scene, which was my favorite scene, because I missed it because I wasn’t watching it properly.
Sonia and Phil Mitchell have history!(Image: BBC)
Continue reading the article.
“It was just me and Phil and Sonia and Phil in the Square.” I missed it. I might have to go back and look. Because it was a really nice scene, I would be very upset if it were cut. “Natalie added: “I’ve received a lot of DMs and messages and stuff just saying how people have shed a tear, but a happy tear. It was pleasant and upbeat, it wasn’t particularly depressing, and I didn’t take a black cab; it was just fun.
Natalie left EastEnders to pursue other projects, but she felt it was unfair to request filming time off from the producers. She told Bella magazine, “I left because I thought it was appropriate to do so.” After 32 years, I was prepared for a change.
Because EastEnders employs 60 cast members and 300 employees, they can’t accommodate someone who says, “By the way, I need two months off to do this, and then I need another three months off to do this.” It is unfair. I needed a quick break so that I could concentrate on other things and spend time with my family, which I haven’t done in a while.
Continue reading the article.
Natalie has started a number of new ventures in her post-EastEnders life. The author’s upcoming book, Happy Days, which will provide readers with a glimpse into her life as a mother, was the subject of last month’s exciting news.
Additionally, Natalie hosted a special segment on Virgin Radio on the airwaves. Natalie told Joanna, “It was really good, and I’ve had a radio interview with her.” It was a little tense, but once more, it’s just another item off the list. It was good, but it was on the bucket list of firsts.
According to a report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Europe led the charge in global defense spending last year.
The real increase in European costs, which surpassed the highest level of defense spending since communism’s end, was 17 percent to $ 693 million, accelerating a 9.4 percent increase to $ 2.7 trillion.
The new trend was primarily driven by Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, according to SIPRI’s report on Monday.
According to Jade Guiberteau Ricard, a researcher with SIPRI, “the rapid spending increases among European NATO members were primarily driven by the ongoing Russian threat and concerns about possible US disengagement within the alliance.”
The cost of that war remained high for the protagonists.
Russia experienced devastating material losses during its conflict with Ukraine, which contributed to its 38 percent annual increase. More than 7% of its economic output was spent on the $149 billion project.
Ukraine, which contributes 34 percent of its economy to the military, spent its total tax income of $64.7 billion on its defense.
However, Europe may bear more of the burden as a result of the apparent US reluctance to continue funding Ukraine’s defense.
That might not seem as burdensome as it sounds. According to the think tank Bruegel, the EU’s economy needed only to spend 0.12% of its gross domestic product (GDP) to replace US military support for Ukraine, according to an estimate made in February.
“We will see further increases,” the statement read.
According to experts, the majority of Europe’s defense spending increase is due to the need to rebuild once-defunct European militaries.
Retired US colonel Seth Krummrich said, “The increase was expected, though it was still somewhat shocking to watch it unfold.” It represented the end of US supremacy on a global scale.
This was the beginning of a new trend, according to Krummrich, who is currently Global Guardian’s vice president.
“I do think there will be even more growth in the years to come. He said that Europe recognizes the necessity to stand on its own and not rely solely on the United States. That doesn’t mean that the US won’t support Europe, but it is no longer felt by Americans as a “garanteed certainty.”
Last month, the EU relaxed deficit regulations, allowing national budgets to allocate an additional 650 billion euros ($740 billion) to defense.
Greece made its first announcement under the new regulations on April 3 that a multiyear rearmament would be implemented.
Germany rose the most over the entire continent (by 28%) as a remarkable 100-billion-euro ($113.5bn) fund announced in 2022 finally took off. However, every EU member state raised its defense budget, a trend that is becoming more and more prevalent in the country as a result of the perception of a Russian threat.
Rearm Europe, a 150 billion euro ($170 billion) fund to boost EU defense products, and a German parliament’s decision to allocate up to 1 trillion euros ($1.14 trillion) to infrastructure and defense all supported what Krummrich predicted.
Militaries can’t survive on their own money.
Experts urged caution because it would take a while for expenditure to become force projection.
According to Lukas Milevski, a lecturer in international studies at Leiden University, “major military capability takes years to develop.” He told Al Jazeera, “It takes time to train people, to buy the stuff, to build the stuff, to deliver the stuff.”
For instance, Germany promised a brigade to Lithuania in 2022. Although it’s constructed in southwest Lithuania, the brigade is not anticipated to be manned, trained, equipped, or operational until 2027.
Milevski also reaffirmed the need to sustain the funds for a long period of time. All the exemptions that came with Rearm Europe have expired, and the year-by-year continuation doesn’t provide the stability that defense policy requires, he said.
What the money is spent on is another issue. For instance, the $997bn US defense budget, which is frequently characterized as being bloated with pork-barrel purchases, is not what a modern military requires.
With various states competing to have their tanks or rocket launch systems adopted as the EU standard and funded to the highest levels, Europe also has a similar problem of redundancy.
Krummrich claimed that the EU now has a “significant opportunity” to “leap forward technologically through military innovation and investment” rather than arguing over which older systems to keep in place. He claimed it was sufficient to observe how “the dirt laboratory of Ukraine has revealed a new evolution in warfare, particularly with regard to drones and unmanned vehicles.”
Others expressed concern for Europe’s “go-it-alone” strategy.
The Centre for Geopolitics at Cambridge University, Hugo Bromley, an economist and geopolitical expert, said, “It’s the capabilities that matter, and how those capabilities are built and controlled.”
According to Bromley, the US and Europe should not be separating, but rather cooperatively serving specific needs in both Europe and the Asia-Pacific.
The very high-end [air] lift and missiles are the scarce assets America needs, especially in an Indo-Pacific focus, he said, because these are the things that nation states want most to keep to themselves.
“So we need to have a sincere discussion about which nations are willing to work together on these issues, and East Asia, Germany, to a lesser extent, France, and Britain, as well as what I consider to be the Commonwealth, such as Australia, Canada,”
This internationalist perspective is currently unpopular on the continent, where renewed European defense resolve is fueled by the idea of strategic autonomy.
Finally, there is concern that the Ukrainian theater, which has a large military presence, will suffer from tragedy if money is not properly spent over enough time to deliver force.
According to Krummrich, “the operational map is still largely unchanging.”
The highly-trained soldiers and ambitious campaign plans are gone. He called it a “meat grinder” and claimed that this is now a conscript war with little front-line movement.
