A Lean, Strategic European Security Council: A Call to Action
Europe necessitates a Security Council composed of nations willing and prepared to uphold and enforce international security and peace.
In view of the U.S. withdrawal from European defense, the EU is stepping up its defense funding. Yet, it remains paralyzed. It's high time to explore new avenues for Europe's security. Here's a proposal for a European Security Council to address the continent's security challenges effectively.
If the U.S. retreats from Ukraine, the fate of the country lies in the EU's hands. It's our generation's task to bridge the gap between Europe's defense potential and its actual capability. The constant chatter in EU bodies fails to produce tangible results. The moment calls for a European minimum of processes and a maximum of resolve.
We--the residents of this continent--cannot delay action. Russia is arming itself verbally and militarily, according to EU intelligence services. Those waiting for changes in Brussels will be too late. We need new, lean security structures alongside our existing ones. At the helm: a European Security Council as a strategic decision-making center.
Three guiding principles follow: Not the whole EU. Not only EU. Not without EU.
"Not the whole EU" means we need a core Europe for defense. Not every EU nation needs to join, and not all need to concur. The EU is a reality of different speeds, and now, it's a necessity in defense policy. We can leave behind member states that lack the will or our trust without waiting for Hungary's Viktor Orbán, who shows sympathy for Putin and consistently undermines EU interests.
"Not only EU" implies an opening towards a coalition of the willing. Third countries like the UK or Norway should join if they are ready to pool their resources with ours. Europe's security does not end at its borders.
"Not without EU" represents a connection to existing EU structures. New formats should not exist in an institutional void. The PESCO platform offers an excellent docking point, as interested member states coordinate their defense capabilities there. But also the EU Military Staff (EUMS) or the EU Intelligence and Situation Centre (INTCEN). This ensures that synergies are utilized instead of creating new rivalries.
For the European Security Council to be effective, it must be led wisely and strongly. A strategic decision-making center is vital to our ability to act. No matter how large our defense budget, it won't bring us security if resources aren't developed and deployed sensibly.
Thus, Europe needs an effective Security Council: not a debating platform, but an emergency decision-making body. The UN Security Council, established 80 years ago, made important decisions and showed leadership at its peak. Europe could follow this example.
Comprising founding members such as the President of the European Parliament, the two member states with the highest defense spending, and a non-EU state with substantial contributions, the council should have members re-elected every two years by a qualified majority of the Members of the Willing Union. This rotating membership would strengthen Europe's ability to adapt and maintain strategic direction.
Stay tuned for updates on this potential European Security Council designed to boost our security capabilities and adapt to emerging challenges.
- The European Union (EU) is considering strengthening its employment policy, as it abandons the paralysis that has resulted from constant chatter without producing tangible results.
- In light of the EU's proposed development in defense funding, it is crucial to react swiftly and agree on new policy-and-legislation that bridges the gap between Europe's defense potential and its actual capability.
- The discussion in general-news regarding a European Security Council is gaining traction, as it could provide a strategic decision-making center to boost our security capabilities and adapt to emerging challenges.
- As part of the EU's community policy, it is essential to focus on employment policy, as it plays a significant role in our generation's task to bridge the gap between Europe's defense potential and its actual capability.
