New initiative for security and defence of the European Union
On 4 November 2020 our partner federation EuroDéfense sent this policy proposal to the president of the European Commission, the European Council and the European Parliament. When implemented, this proposal would be a breakthrough in European cooperation in defence.
European security is no longer just about military threats and the defence of the territory of a member state. There are many new threats and developments that most individual Member States are unable to cope with. These involve various, often hybrid, threats such as cyberattacks, des-information, human trafficking, illegal immigration, terrorism, trade restrictions and conflicts in border regions. The last decades, Europe also has grown to be a major global player. Therefore, it is only logical to step up efforts to protect and defend the European standards and values as well as its territory and citizens.
1. A permanent, limited, but high-quality EU intervention capacity for direct action in case of crisis. Also to bridge the gap until member state capabilities become available. This intervention capacity can comprise armed forces, but for instance also cyber units. The staff of these permanent EU units is complementary to national capabilities and paid by the EU.
2. Developing additional capabilities beyond the capacity of most countries. Both in new technology areas as well as for capital-intensive conventional capabilities.
3. Improving fast EU decision-making by an EU security council in crisis situations.
4. Strengthening the EU command structure to effectively lead EU units, units of member states and also an EU contribution to NATO.
Nations will have to understand that “being capable to do everything yourself” is no longer always possible and necessary. Nowadays, most European countries are unable to do that anyway. The point of departure is strictly voluntary participation: Each member state can still determine which defence capabilities it deems necessary for its own defence.
Once established, the relatively small European defence organization could act quickly in crisis situations. As next step capabilities of member states could be engaged. These should be pre-committed to the EU. This does not affect a Member state’s own sovereignty nor their NATO obligations.