Today, the European Commission published the Reflection Paper about European Security and Defense for launching the European Defense Fund.
On 1 March 2017, the European Commission presented a White Paper on the Future of Europe. Subsequently, a series of reflection articles have been published to implement the Global Strategy. This Reflection wants to integrate ongoing activities in the defense package endorsed by the European Council in December 2016, consisting in the implementation of the EU’s comprehensive strategy on security and defense, and cooperation with NATO. However, the EU wants to improve its capabilities and show more autonomy.
According to the Reflection Paper, achieving this goal requires progress in several areas. Firstly, there is a need for greater cooperation between the Member States in the field of defense, while maintaining their sovereignty. Secondly, EU member states must have a common perception of new threats. Third, cooperation with NATO has to be strengthened. Finally, the EU must increase defense spending. In order to address this problem, Member States’ spending on defense should be better coordinated. Most of the financial resources for defense will continue to come from national sources, but it is also necessary to create the European Defense Fund.
According to the Reflection Paper, the Fund is important to prevent threats, improve the technological research, ensure the security of citizens, enable states to cooperate more effectively and improve the EU military industry.
Maria Elena Argano
For further information:
European Commission Site: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/sites/beta-political/files/reflection-paper-defence_en.pdf
European Commission Site: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/publications/reflection-paper-future-european-defence_fr
European Commission Site: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/white-paper-future-europe-reflections-and-scenarios-eu27_fr
European Commission Site: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/sites/beta-political/files/defending-europe-factsheet_en_1.pdf
