The European Defence Programme focuses on the future of European defence, in the frameworks of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and NATO’s European pillar. It addresses the opportunities for enhancing EU-NATO relations, encouraging greater commitment to transatlantic burdensharing, strengthening the European defence industrial base and improving European cohesion on defence matters.
As a no-deal Brexit becomes increasingly likely, the chronicle of EUFOR Althea exposes the operational, strategic and political challenges facing EU defence today.
Contrary to criticism surrounding an increased number of US forces and related infrastructure in Poland, the latest agreement will strengthen deterrence on NATO’s eastern flank in line with NATO policies.
At a time of change across the Atlantic and within Europe, especially with the ongoing Brexit negotiations, it is essential that Germany and the United Kingdom prevent divergences from growing.
As a no-deal Brexit becomes increasingly likely, the chronicle of EUFOR Althea exposes the operational, strategic and political challenges facing EU defence today.
Contrary to criticism surrounding an increased number of US forces and related infrastructure in Poland, the latest agreement will strengthen deterrence on NATO’s eastern flank in line with NATO policies.
At a time of change across the Atlantic and within Europe, especially with the ongoing Brexit negotiations, it is essential that Germany and the United Kingdom prevent divergences from growing.
Today the debate over European ‘strategic autonomy’ revolves mostly around the military aspects of the EU security and defence policy. However, the Union’s added value vis-à-vis other actors in the field has often been within the civilian realm.
Although the EU’s increased defence efforts and states’ diverging industrial interests will inevitably create tensions in the short-term, these should not be allowed to poison transatlantic relations.
Faced with transatlantic rifts, Allies should concentrate not on grand designs but rather on implementing the Wales agenda and strengthening Euro-Atlantic security from the bottom-up.
ELN Policy Fellow Alice Billon-Galland participated in the Carnegie Europe Summer Academy on European defence industry in Brussels on June 20-21 2019.
Supported by the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the EU and the forthcoming Finnish presidency, the seminar sought to specify the trade-offs for “European sovereignty” in security and defence.
She took part in a closed expert lunch on “European Security and Defence” at the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, May 29, 2019.
