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Key Strategic Activities
Table of Contents
The European Defense Agency (EDA) supports the development of defence capabilities of its participating Member States through a coherent prioritisation framework with three complementary tools: the Capability Development plan (CDP), the Overarching Strategic Research Agenda (OSRA) and the identification of Key Strategic Activities (KSA).
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Unleashing US-EU Defence Cooperation
The strategic imperative.Today, this line of reasoning directly undermines the US-European security relationship. … (EDIS), which aims to strengthen the European defense technological and industrial base (EDTIB). EDIS sets out a vision for the EU’s defense policy through 2035. In theory, the goal is to produce more, quicker.In reality, it…
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Strategic Autonomy: Towards ‘European Sovereignty’ in Defence?
Strategic autonomy. Two familiar words that are yet again in vogue in Europe but which cause confusion and, in some quarters, even alarm. This Brief compares the range of defence initiatives that have been developed by the EU sence 2016 against three different conceptual visions of strategic autonomy: autonomy as reliance on their militaries even if that spending pushes their budget deficits over the EU’s limits.
“Now is the time to move mountains in the European Union,” said Ms. von der Leyen, a former German defense minister.
Mr. Macron said Europe must break a mindset of “strategic dependency.” The continent relies heavily on Russian natural gas, imports from China, and America’s military might and technology.That has stagnated European innovation, weakened its economic vigor – witness the crisis in Germany’s once-dominant auto industry – and made it more vulnerable.The EU is now faced with the need to more firmly anchor its identity in its values of shared prosperity and well-defended democracy. “Security is …the precondition for maintaining our values, as well as being a necessity for our economic success and competitiveness,” wrote former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö last October.
A global poll taken by the european Council on Foreign Relations after Donald Trump’s election victory found that “People around the world see the EU as a major global power …[but] the people who believe least in European power are the Europeans themselves.” The U.S. is just one of many countries now cheering the EU to see its own strength and to reject a mentality of dependency. The basis of any security is firstly a mindset of self-governance. EU defence policy remains a topic of intense debate. Recent initiatives emphasizing strategic autonomy by European nations like France have led to discussions around the future trajectory of US-EU defence cooperation. In this interview,Dr. Marianne Schmidt,Professor of International Relations at King’s College London,discusses European defence policy and the implications for transatlantic partnerships.
Senior Editor: Dr. Schmidt, the European Union (EU) appears increasingly persistent to assert more strategic autonomy. Could you provide some insight into the driving forces behind this movement? Dr. Schmidt: Absolutely. Several factors have contributed to the growing emphasis on strategic autonomy, especially as events like Brexit, the Ukraine invasion, and uncertainties surrounding American strategic commitments. European leaders seem increasingly aware that relying solely on NATO and Washington for security won’t provide sufficient assurance against emerging threats and challenges. Plus, European nations recognize a need to be more responsible and proactive players in global security arrangements. Senior Editor: So, can you elaborate on how EU initiatives, specifically the European Defence Industrial Development program (EDIS), aim to achieve this sense of strategic autonomy? Dr. Schmidt: EDIS, launched in 2020, provides a framework for strengthening European defense capabilities through joint research, technology development, and military procurement. Imagine it as trying to cultivate their own robust, self-reliant defense technology and industrial sector. This echoes the sentiment shared by former European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, that “Now is the time to move mountains in the European Union,” which underscores this shift towards greater defense self-reliance. Senior Editor: This initiative certainly raises concerns about potential fragmentation within NATO, particularly concerning European reliance on U.S. military technology. Dr. Schmidt: That’s a valid point. The key question is not necessarily whether this pursuit of greater autonomy necessarily entails a decrease in cooperation with NATO, nor necessarily about weakening ties with the U.S. . Rather, it’s about striking a balance – finding ways to strengthen European capabilities within Europe, while ensuring effective coordination and solidarity with allies and partners.Perhaps, this movement could also trigger a more mutually beneficial dialog between Europe, NATO, and the U.S. on resource allocation, priorities, and responsibilities. Senior Editor: That brings us nicely to another pertinent issue: are European nations moving towards true “strategic autonomy,” or are declarations of autonomy symbolic gestures lacking substantive backing? Dr. Schmidt: Ah, a crucial distinction to make! You’re highlighting the debate among experts regarding just how ample EU efforts towards “strategic autonomy” truly are. Some argue the EU’s commitment is weak, lacking the financial, industrial, and political muscle required to achieve truly independent military capacity. Others believe,on the other hand,that these initiatives represent a significant shift toward greater European security obligation. In reality, there’s a spectrum. There’s scope for incremental progress, leading eventually towards greater strategic autonomy. What’s becoming increasingly evident though, is an EU determination not to solely depend on external forces for security guarantees. Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Schmidt, for your valuable insights. The conversation clearly showcases the complexity surrounding Europe’s push for greater strategic autonomy in defense. Ultimately, we’re watching a delicate dance between preserving transatlantic solidarity, bolstering European defense capabilities, and ultimately, securing stability and prosperity both within Europe and globally.
European Defense: Towards Autonomy or Closer Collaboration?
Interview
