Bridging Europe's Defensive Gap: The Need for a Security Council of the Willing
International Coalition of Committed Nations Necessary for Enhanced European Security
The U.S. pulling out of Europe's defense is becoming more evident. Europe is now scrambling to finance defense, but it remains paralyzed. It's high time we journeyed down new paths.
If the U.S. abandons Ukraine, its survival falls into Europe's hands. Europe's security is now our responsibility—a challenge our generation must overcome. We require action, not endless debates.
From Brussels, I see it clearly: among the EU's policymakers, there's too much chat and not enough action. The days of waiting for changes in Brussels are numbered.
We need agile, compact security structures alongside what we have. At the helm: a European Security Council—a strategic command center capable of acting swiftly and decisively.
Our principles: Not the whole EU. Not only EU. Not without EU.
"Not the whole EU" means: we need a lean, agile core Europe. We don't all have to participate or agree. If a member state lacks the will or undermines the group's trust, they can be left behind.
"Not only EU" means: we need to invite coalition partners, such as Britain or Norway, to pool our resources. Europe's security extends beyond its borders.
"Not without EU" refers to the connection to existing EU structures. New formats shouldn't operate in a void. The PESCO platform, the EU Military Staff (EUMS), or the Intelligence and Situation Centre (INTCEN) can all serve as docking points.
A strong, skilled leader is essential for this strategic command center to work effectively. Despite a large budget, we won't achieve security if resources aren't used wisely.
Europe needs an operational Security Council—not a chatterbox, but a crisis response team. The United Nations showed us how it's done 80 years ago. Europe can follow suit.
Who would sit on this Council?
Founding members could include: the President of the European Parliament as a symbol of parliamentary oversight, two member states with the highest defense spending, and one non-EU state contributing significantly. However, the Council should be periodically reshuffled.
The Council would daily tackle crucial defense issues and rally political will to calibrate resources effectively. This turbo-charged forum would secure Europe's strategic direction and become a beacon for effective international action.
Currently, the European Union is often seen as a gigantic but ineffective giant. Economically, we rank second behind the US—as a market and trading power. But in defense policy, Europe remains blocked despite the right rhetoric. A EU Security Council would ensure that Europe's strength is also effective.
Source: ntv.de
- EU
- German Defense Policy
- Security Policy
Additional Insights:
- The Council's structure would enable a smaller, more agile group to coordinate defense efforts among EU nations and external partners, increasing Europe's ability to respond swiftly to security challenges.
- The European Parliament's President would serve as a symbol of parliamentary control, ensuring transparency and democratic accountability.
- While the proposal to establish a Security Council is gaining momentum, deep-seated divisions among European states on key issues and potential duplication of existing security structures present significant obstacles.
- Recent joint defense and security efforts by Germany and France reflect growing European determination to bolster its own security capacity in response to U.S. withdrawal or emerging security threats.
- The European Union (EU) is considering the proposal to establish a Security Council, aiming to strengthen its defense policy and response to security challenges.
- The suggested structure of the EU Security Council involves a smaller, agile group of member states and external partners, allowing for swifter coordination of defense efforts.
- Inclusion of the President of the European Parliament in the Council would symbolize parliamentary oversight and democratic accountability.
- Given the right rhetoric but continued blockage in defense policy within the EU, the establishment of a Security Council is seen as a means to ensure Europe's strength is also effective.
