Originally written as a policy paper at the University of Erfurt
Viability & Implementation of European Strategic Autonomy in Defence
Originally written as a EU Policy Paper at the University of Erfurt
Abstract
Recent remarks and long-held positions by former and current US officials have underscored the urgency of European nations meeting their defense spending commitments within NATO . Such statements have reignited debates regarding Europe’s capacity to guarantee its security independently, against the backdrop of the two year anniversary and the decade long struggle for peace in the War in Ukraine, taking place in a political climate of election outcome uncertainty within the Alliance in 2024. European States have committed themselves to boost defense capabilities, increase defense budgets and further cooperation , which has in fact led to a „unprecedented rise“ of 11% in defense spending in 2023 alone. The internal sovereignty of the EU’s member states and their vastly different capabilities and policies on security however, together with the integration of NATO, of most EU Member states, have formed a vague and ambiguous system that guarantees strategic and territorial security within the mutual defense clauses of the NATO Framework, but doesn’t for see or stipulate a joint European force or alternative, despite the long term objectives found in the EUGS . Cooperation in a collective 5 defense strategy still remains contentious and efforts to ensure efficiency and interoperability remain limited. This policy paper examines the viability of establishing a joint EU coordinating force based on existing structures to integrate member states’ militaries more effectively. While advocating for this approach as the primary recommendation, alternative policy options will also be explored.
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