United Nations Security Council Requires a Consensus of Voluntary Participants from Europe
The United States' withdrawal from Europe's defense is becoming more tangible, pushing the EU to take matters into its own hands. However, the EU remains, in many ways, paralyzed. It's high time we explore alternative routes.
If America abandons Ukraine, its survival falls firmly on the EU's shoulders. The continent's security henceforth rests in European hands, presenting a colossal challenge for our generation: Bridging the gap between Europe's potential and its actual capabilities in defense policy. From Brussels, I can see it crystal clear: Among the EU governments, discussion reigns, but action is scarce. We need a European bare-bones defense structure, with a surge of resolve over endless debate.
About the AuthorSergey Lagodinsky, a member of the European Parliament since 2019, writing for the Greens/EFA group, shares his thoughts on this pressing matter. As the spokesperson for U.S. and Russia policy in the Foreign Affairs Committee since 2024, he offers a unique perspective.
Russia is gearing up, both verbally, as evident in their state media, and militarily, according to our intelligence services. They are sharpening their military aggressiveness towards the EU – not at some point in the distant future, but in the near future. Those who expect Brussels to change its contract will be too late.
We require quick, robust, and strategic structures, in addition to what we already have. At the helm, we need a European Security Council – a platform for swift, legitimate, and decisive strategic decision-making.
Principles of the Council
Inclusivity not Exclusivity: Our European Security Council should be selective in its membership. Internally, we need a 'Europe of Different Speeds' for defense. Not all member states need to participate, and not all need to agree. We must permit member states to depart if their intent or our trust in them wanes. We cannot afford to wait for leaders like Hungary's Viktor Orbán, who sympathizes with Putin, if he chooses to betray the EU's interests.
Openness: Externally, we should welcome non-EU states, such as the UK or Norway, if they are willing to pool their resources with ours. Europe's security does not stop at its borders.
Integration: New formats should align with existing EU structures to avoid unnecessary competition and maximize synergy. Platforms like PESCO, EUMS, and INTCEN can serve as entry points.
Leadership is paramount for success. The Council's effectiveness hinges on wise and strong guidance. A strategic decision-making body is the bedrock of success.
Key Members
Founding members could comprise: - The President of the European Parliament – a symbol of parliamentary control. - The two member states with the highest defense spending in absolute and relative terms. - A non-EU state with meaningful contributions, such as the United Kingdom.
However, the Council's membership should not be static. Every two years, members should be re-elected by a qualified majority of the member states of the union.
Decision-Making Powers
The exact decision-making powers can be negotiated, but at a minimum, the Council should have the ability to declare a defense emergency when necessary. This would provide a legal basis for national mobilizations in member states' parliaments and joint defense measures. The Council and its working levels could also coordinate joint procurements and defense and industry initiatives.
Europe is currently a slumbering economic titan. We can barely match the US in terms of markets and trade power. In defense policy, however, we remain stagnant, despite our rhetoric. A European Security Council would ensure our strength translates into action.
Source: ntv.de
- European Defense Policy
- Security Policy
- Geopolitics
- The EU, faced with the looming void left by the US's retreat from Europe, is in dire need of exploring alternative defense strategies, such as a European Security Council, to ensure its collective defense policy is robust and strategic.
- The proposed European Security Council, with a focus on inclusivity and openness, could potentially welcome non-EU members like the UK or Norway, providing an opportunity for strengthening Europe's defense capabilities.
- The effectiveness of the European Security Council will rely heavily on the wise and strong leadership of its key members, including the President of the European Parliament and the two member states with the highest defense spending.
- To keep the Council adaptive and responsive to the ever-changing geopolitical landscape, its membership should be re-elected every two years, allowing for a dynamic composition and preventing the Council from being hindered by ineffective or uncooperative members.
