A United Front: Europe Requires a Coalition of the Willing to Strengthen Security
Strengthening the Security Council: The Call for a Cooperation Alliance Amongst Voluntary European Nations
In light of the U.S.'s potential withdrawal from defending Europe, the security of our continent now lies in our hands. This situation presents us with a significant challenge: bridging the gap between Europe's potential and its actual capability in defense policy. Let's discuss new avenues for Europe's security, starting with the establishment of a European Security Council.
From my perspective in Brussels, the endless interminable discussions among the 27 EU member states seem outdated, especially in matters of our security. The time demands a European minimum of bureaucratic procedures and a maximum of determination.
The situation is critical. Russia is arming, not just verbally but militarily. Their aggression towards the EU is imminent, as seen by our intelligence services. Waiting for contractual changes in Brussels will be too late. Instead, we need swift, legitimate, and decisive action.
Three structural principles should guide this new Security Council: Not the whole EU, Not only EU, Not without EU.
"Not the whole EU" means that internally, we need a core Europe for defense. We cannot afford to keep every EU member involved in defense policy. It's time for a Europe of different speeds, where member states can leave behind those who are lacking in will or trustworthiness.
"Not only EU" means that we need an opening towards a coalition of the willing, involving third countries like Britain or Norway, should they be willing to pool their resources with ours. European security doesn't end at the EU's external border.
"Not without EU" emphasizes the connection to existing EU structures. New formats should complement, not replace, existing EU institutions. For instance, the PESCO platform and the Military Staff (EUMS) or the Intelligence and Situation Centre (INTCEN) of the EU can serve as docking points for new security structures.
The Security Council's leadership is crucial to its success. An effective Security Council is the key to our ability to act effectively. Resources, no matter how abundant, won't bring security unless they are wisely and strongly led.
This Council should be more than just a debating stage; it must be an emergency decision-making cabinet. A model for this can be found in the United Nations Security Council, which demonstrated strong leadership and made crucial decisions 80 years ago. Europe can follow this example and create its own Security Council.
The Council should be composed of founding members, including the President of the European Parliament as a symbol of parliamentary control, two member states with the highest defense spending, and one non-EU state with substantial contributions. The Council should also have a rotating membership to ensure the ability to adapt to changing political landscapes.
In conclusion, as Sergey Lagodinsky advocates, it's time for Europe to take matters into its own hands and establish a European Security Council that will strengthen its strategic autonomy and effective response to security threats. The time for action is now.
Source: ntv.de
- EU
- German Defense Policy
- Security Policy
Enrichment Data: Sergey Lagodinsky's proposal for a European Security Council aims to enhance the EU's capacity for defense policy coordination and response. The Council will serve as a forum for member states to cooperate on strategic security issues, enabling quicker, more effective joint action against external threats. The proposal aligns with broader calls within the EU for strengthening defense and security frameworks post-Ukraine crisis, ensuring the bloc is better prepared for geopolitical challenges ([1][2]). Additionally, Lagodinsky's approach emphasizes the importance of multilateral advocacy and legal measures in security, such as supporting international justice mechanisms like ICC arrest warrants for war crimes.
- The proposal by Sergey Lagodinsky advocates for a European Security Council, aiming to bolster the EU's coordination and response in defense policy.
- This European Security Council will serve as a platform for member states to collaborate on strategic security matters, expediting joint actions against external threats.
- The establishment of this council aligns with wider EU calls for fortifying defense and security structures, following the Ukraine crisis.
- Lagodinsky's approach underscores the significance of multilateral advocacy and the implementation of legal measures such as supporting international justice mechanisms like ICC arrest warrants for war crimes.
