Need for a Security Council Comprised of Voluntary Participants in Europe
Rewritten Article:
Ready to Roll: Europe Needs a Tough-as-Nails Security Team
Wanna know something troubling? The US ain't gonna stick around to protect Europe forever. The EU is trying to beef up its defense budget, but it's stuck in debate overutilize. Time to kick things up a notch.
If the US bails on Ukraine, it leaves the fate of the country in the EU's hands. Europe's security is now in our court. It's high time our generation stepped up and bridged the gap between Europe's potential defense prowess and its actual capability. From Brussels, it's plain to see: among the EU's governing bodies, there's a lot of chatter - but not much action. We need leaner, meaner defense structures, pronto.
About the Author: Sergey Lagodinsky is an MEP for the Greens/EFA group since 2019, and since 2024, he's been the spokesperson for US and Russia policy in the Foreign Affairs Committee.
Russia is gearing up - verbally, as evidenced in Russian state media, and militarily, as our intelligence services warn of an increasing aggression from the Kremlin towards the EU. Those who sit idly by will be kicking themselves once it's too late.
We need a more agile, streamlined security body beside our current setup. At the helm: a European Defense Council as a rapid-response strategic nerve center.
Three guiding principles power this council: Not Everyone, Not Exclusively EU, and Always EU.
"Not Everyone" refers to the need for a core Europe for defense. Not every EU member needs to participate or agree to the plan. When it comes to defense, it's time for the Europe of different speeds to come out of the shadows - because it's not only practical, but essential. Some countries simply aren't on board - like Hungary, who sympathizes with Putin and works against EU interests - so let them sit this one out.
"Not Exclusively EU" means opening the doors to allies who can contribute. Countries like Britain or Norway should join in if they're willing to pool their resources with ours. Europe's security doesn't stop at the EU's borders.
"Always EU" stands for maintaining a strong connection to existing EU structures. New formats shouldn't operate in a vacuum. The PESCO platform offers a prime spot for docking due to coordinated defense efforts by interested member states. The EU Military Staff (EUMS) or the Intelligence Analysis and Reporting of the EU (INTCEN) can also play key roles. This way, synergies are maximized, and unnecessary competition is minimized.
A capable European Defense Council needs strong leadership. Without wise, determined guidance, all the budget in the world won't amount to a hill of beans. An operational Council is what Europe needs - not just a debating forum, but an emergency decision-making hub. The UN Security Council set the bar high 80 years ago; Europe can follow suit.
The proposed Council should include:
- The President of the European Parliament as a symbol of parliamentary oversight.
- The two member states with the highest defense spending in absolute and relative terms.
- A non-EU state with substantial contributions.
Unlike the post-war period of the 20th century, we can no longer depend on continuity in European governments' foreign policy. The Council should feature a rotating membership every two years, ensuring Europe is always responsive and strategically coherent. If a member state no longer wishes to defend alongside their European partners, they can simply be voted off the island.
The exact decision-making power can be negotiated. However, the Council should have the authority to declare a defense emergency if necessary. This declaration can serve as a legal basis for national mobilizations in member states and their parliaments, as well as for joint defense measures. The Council should also work to encourage joint procurements and coordination of defense and industry efforts.
Currently, the European Union is viewed as a slumbering giant. Economically, we rank second behind the US. Yet, in defense policy, Europe remains an underachiever despite promising rhetoric. A European Defense Council would help put Europe's strength into action.
Source: ntv.de
- Europe
- Defense Policy
- Security Council
Insight:
- The Coalition of the Willing, which includes the UK and France, supports Ukraine and could provide a potential peacekeeping force.
- This coalition demonstrates the potential benefits of unified European defense efforts, increased military cooperation, and economic leverage.
- If a similar framework were established, a European Defense Council could promote collective action, foster strategic flexibility, and bolster deterrence against potential aggressors.
- The EU is currently engaging in debates about strengthening its employment policy, community policy, and defense policy, recognizing the need for a more agile and streamlined security body.
- The proposed European Defense Council, if established, could help bridge the gap between Europe's potential defense prowess and its actual capability, ensuring a rapid response to security threats, particularly from powers like Russia.
- In line with the "Not Exclusively EU" principle, the Council could invite allies like Britain or Norway to contribute their resources if they are willing to join the defense efforts, given that Europe's security extends beyond its borders.
- The Council's decisive action is crucial in avoiding potential regrets, as those who remain idle might come to regret it once it's too late, echoing the need for immediate action in the broader political and general-news landscape.
