ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - December 21, 2023

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - December 21, 2023

ZeroFox physical security experts collect, curate, and analyze information derived from open and proprietary sources for comprehensive context of the circumstances surrounding global events. Here is today’s daily roundup of major developments.

Brief Highlights

• EU Strikes Deal to Reform Migration Policy After Years of Debates
• U.S. Congress Fails to Pass Ukraine Aid Before the End of the Year
• South Korea, U.S., and Japan Launch Missile Warning Data System as North Korean Missile Launches Increase in Sophistication

EU Strikes Deal to Reform Migration Policy After Years of Debates

The European Union (EU) has agreed to a migration reform bill that will likely limit overall immigration to the EU while better spreading out the costs and impacts across the 27 members. The new system, which still needs numerous layers of approval, will shorten the time that asylum seekers can remain in the EU while sharing the responsibilities across EU states. Frontier states like Greece, Italy, and Spain usually see the most migrants because they are geographically closest to the migrant hotspots of North Africa and the Middle East. They want to be able to share the financial and personal responsibilities with the rest of the EU while also being able to do what they see fit with the increasing numbers of migrants.

U.S. Congress Fails to Pass Ukraine Aid Before the End of the Year

The United States Congress failed to pass a USD 60 billion aid package for Ukraine before the end of 2023. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell issued a joint statement saying they are "committed" to passing such legislation in the new year. However, the timing of new aid is critical for Ukraine's defense. Ukrainian troops are already limiting operations and shifting to defensive positions across much of the front due to shortages of ammunition and other weapons. The longer Ukraine must wait for US or EU aid, the more acute these shortages will become.

South Korea, U.S., and Japan Launch Missile Warning Data System as North Korean Missile Launches Increase in Sophistication

On December 19, 2023, South Korea, the United States, and Japan launched a real-time missile warning system to share North Korean missile data. Through the new system, the three sides will share round-the-clock data on a missile's presumed launch point, flight trajectory, and expected point of impact. Additionally, the three countries have also approved the multiyear exercise plan, starting next year, noting that they plan to regularize military drills and stage them in a more systematic and efficient manner.