Recommendations to European Commissioner Kubilius on a European Defense Union
Towards a European Defence Union
At the end of 2024, the European Commission decided to establish a European Defence Union (EDU). In response to a request from European Commissioner Kubilius, the international Eurodefense network drafted strategic advice for the creation of this Union.
A Phased Political and Operational Process The EDU should not be viewed as a static body, but as a step-by-step political process. Central to the advice—prepared by three Eurodefense working groups (Strategic Concept, Industry, and Export)—is the strengthening of political authority through a European Security Council and the improvement of operational and material cooperation via joint defence planning. To finance further integration, the advice calls for common investments and a stronger focus on Europe's own defence industry. It emphasizes that member states must join forces and prioritize interdependence over fragmented national interests. Ultimately, the advice aims for increased striking power and sovereignty for Europe within a changing global security context.
To achieve this, member states must recognize that the common interest is more effective for solving security challenges than pure national or industrial self-interest. Eurodefense therefore advocates for emphasizing the concept of "enlightened self-interest" in the discourse on the EDU. The development of the EDU is proposed as a three-phase approach:
- Short term (Foundation): Utilizing existing instruments (such as the EDA and OCCAR) and building political support for a European pillar within NATO.
- Medium term (until 2030 - Institutionalization): Establishing a European Security Council as a political authority and developing permanent European command structures (C2).
- Long term (beyond 2030 - Consolidation): Potential treaty revisions to formalize a common defence and a possible transition to a European high command.
Current "Coalitions of the Willing" are useful for short-term action but are inherently vulnerable due to a lack of structural political authority and sustainable funding.
Spending More, Better, and Together A key point is the need to spend more, better, and, above all, together. To meet NATO commitments, the goal is to increase defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2030, rising to 5% by 2035. This requires significant common funding. Proposed financial innovations include:
- European Defence Bonds (Eurobonds): To mobilize predictable long-term resources and encourage joint procurement, specifically for jointly owned and deployed capabilities.
- Bridge Loans: To help member states whose budget cycles are not synchronized participate in joint projects.
- Role of the European Investment Bank (EIB): Lifting the exclusion of financing for weapons and ammunition.
Strengthening the EDTIB and European Industry Eurodefense advocates for strengthening the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) to reduce dependence on non-European technologies. A new European procurement model focused on efficiency and strategic independence is proposed, based on principles such as prioritizing European solutions, consolidation and competition, and joint procurement. A European Defence Planning Process (EDPP) should be coherent with NATO processes to harmonize operational needs and avoid duplication.
Export Policy and Strategic Autonomy While arms exports remain a national sovereign competence, a unified policy is essential for industrial competitiveness. The Trilateral Agreement (France, Germany, Spain) serves as a model, where partners respect each other's export licenses and objections are only possible by exception. Expanding this to countries like the UK, the Netherlands, Italy, and Sweden is seen as a step toward an EU-wide standard.
Political Authority and Decision-Making A European Security Council is necessary to provide the "missing piece" of political authority and legitimacy for a unified command. For decision-making, solutions like "constructive abstention" and "enhanced cooperation" are suggested to prevent paralysis while maintaining effective action in crises.
Operational Command and Control (C2) Europe currently lacks a uniform operational command structure. Eurodefense suggests building on existing frameworks like Eurocorps (Land), Euromarfor (Sea), and the European Air Transport Command (Air). In the long term, the appointment of a European Saceur could be considered, provided there is political unity and military readiness.
Societal Support: "Total Defence" A successful EDU requires the support of European societies. The concept of "Total Defence" must be promoted more broadly, ensuring citizens are aware of threats and the need for collective action to defend the continent.
Conclusion The transition to an EDU is a geopolitical necessity to ensure sovereignty and security. The greatest challenge is not technical or financial, but psychological: the ability of member states to embrace "enlightened self-interest" and transcend purely national interests.
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