The North Atlantic Treaty Framework and its interplay with the European Union
Report of Eurodefense working group 37 1 on Strategic European Defence Download the full report here The growing instability of the international system, ongoing conflicts in Europe’s eastern and southern neighbourhoods, and increasing uncertainty about US strategic priorities have intensified the debate about Europe’s defence responsibilities. Although the European Union is a major economic and regulatory power, it remains militarily dependent on external security guarantees. To become a more autonomous strategic actor, Europe needs to develop stronger military capabilities, strengthen its defence industrial base, and improve policy coordination among member states. The EU treaties already provide mechanisms that could eventually lead to a common defence, but the unanimity requirement makes progress slow and politically difficult. As a result, some states may seek flexible arrangements or intergovernmental initiatives to advance defence integration and incorporate like-min...