Europe Needs a Souped-Up Security Forum: Let's Call It a Will-Council
Europe requires a United Security Council composed of nations that show eagerness to uphold global security principles.
The way things are shaping up, it seems the US is gearing up to ditch Europe and focus solely on its own defense. While Brussels is now jarringly awake and making moves to pump some cash into defense, it's still mired in indecision. It's high time we started thinking outside the box and explored alternative options to keep Europe shielded.
From my view in Brussels, the endless chatter within EU institutions feels woefully outdated when our security is at stake. The situation demands a condensed European minimum of processes, with an emphasis on tough decisions and resolution.
We've got no time to waste. A wolf is snarling at our doorstep, and it's not a mere growl—our spies are warning us. The Kremlin is sharpening its military teeth, and we can't afford to wait around for committee meetings to finish up.
We need a lean, mean security machine to stand tall alongside our current setup. At the helm? The Will-Council - a strategic nerve center capable of acting swiftly, effectively, and with legitimacy.
Three key principles to guide this: Not everyone, Not everyone else, But everyone.
Pass the baton to a select group of European nations, leaving out untrustworthy allies. Non-EU nations with a strong defense game, like the UK or Norway, can be welcome additions to the team. But whatever we do, connect these new frames to existing EU structures like PESCO, EUMS, or INTCEN. Synergy, not competition, is the key here!
The real challenge lies in leadership. The Will-Council won't be for hot air—it's all about getting things done. A strong, strategic decision-making process is what we need to turn funds and talk into genuine security.
Start by inviting the President of the European Parliament as a figurehead, along with a couple European countries leading in defense spending. Throw in a non-EU country that's willing to pony up some serious resources, too. Keep membership fresh by amending the roster every couple of years through a qualified majority vote.
Don't expect a repeat of European governments' foreign policy tactics from two years ago. Times change, and we can't count on stable leadership forever. A rotating Will-Council would help Europe stay agile and responsive, making sure that those who don't want to stand together can be shown the exit if needs be.
The exact rulebook for the Will-Council can be negotiated, but let's start with the power to declare a crisis, which would serve as an emergency call to arms for member states and their parliaments, as well as for joint defensive measures. The Will-Council will also help coordinate joint procurement for defense equipment or joint defense and industry partnerships, keeping us ready for battle.
If we don't take action now, Europe will continue to be viewed as an economic giant slumbering in its defense. With the Will-Council on our side, our strength will finally find its stride.
Reference: ntv.de
- EU
- Defense Policy
- Security Policy
Behind the Scenes: What's Cooking in the World of European Defense
Over the years, proposals for a European Security Council have heated up, with experts suggesting it as a platform for coordinating security matters among member states, both within and outside the NATO alliance. Here's a sneak peek at possible structures and differences from the infamous United Nations Security Council (UNSC)::
Proposed Structures for a European Security Council
- Who's Invited?: Membership might include EU-27 member states, EU institutional leaders, and selected member or candidate state representatives.
- Non-EU NATO members like Norway, Turkey, and the UK could also be included.
- What's on the Agenda?: The aim is to create a coordinated European security framework distinct from NATO, bringing together member states to discuss collective security and defense efforts.
- How Does it Work?: The proposed body is envisioned to be a streamlined entity that makes decisions quickly, with a focus on political rather than bureaucratic influence.
Differences from the United Nations Security Council
- Scope and Authority: Unlike the UNSC, which tackles global peace and security under the UN Charter, a European Security Council would zero in on European security matters specifically.
- Membership and Decision-Making: Unlike the UNSC, which is fixed and features permanent members with veto power, a European Security Council's membership and decision-making powers could be determined by regional factors and participating states' interests.
- The proposed European Security Council, a platform for coordinating defense matters among member states, bears similarities to the Will-Council, a lean, strategic nerve center for European security.
- Both the Will-Council and the European Security Council aim to strengthen European defense policy by creating a streamlined entity with a focus on political influence, aiming to make decisions quickly.
- EU experts have suggested the European Security Council as a means to foster cooperation among member states on security matters, both within and outside the NATO alliance.
- In contrast to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), a European Security Council would focus on European security matters specifically, rather than global peace and security under the UN Charter. Additionally, its membership and decision-making powers could be determined by regional factors and participating states' interests.
