The European Union Review, Vol. 13 No. 1 2008

L’Europe ne se fera pas sans la défense

Patrice van Ackere - Ancien élève de l’Ecole nationale d’administration, diplômé de l’Institut d’études politiques de Paris et de l’Université de droit de Paris II

Abstract

It is important for Europe to ensure its autonomy and give a sense to its political project, above all in the aftermath of the Cold War. In this perspective, many of the hurdles obstructing construction of common Defence may be overcome. Whether they be the disappearance of a direct military threat, differences of approaches among Europeans, reluctance of the USA, a large investment in the short term or the commitment of the EU member States to their sovereignty. An evaluation of the efforts since 1998 highlights six positive moves: the conceptualisation of political vision and strategy, the adoption of a global and multidisciplinary approach, as well as an appeased relationship with NATO. Also to be noted are the evolution towards institutions facilitating consensus and flexible procedures, the emergence of structural and technical approaches to Defence, as well as capacity building to execute missions in the field. The Lisbon treaty contains a series of measures which will allow the European Union to assume its role as a major world actor but yet preserving the sovereignty of Member States. The progressive definition of a common defence policy which will lead to a common defence when the Council so decides. Sovereignty will be preserved through a unanimous decision making process. Above all, no State will be obliged to engage its troops without its agreement. Four concrete steps may be envisaged to move the European construction in the field of defence and security forward. In order to sensitize the public opinion, all existing multinational forces should be assembled into a “European peace keeping force”. The objective is not to set up a “European army” as such: this is excluded by the Council’s multiple declarations relating to the primordial role of NATO for the defence of its Member States. Another step lies in the setting up of a force dedicated to the protection of the land, maritime and air frontiers of the European Union. Besides, it is essential to set up a fully operational European chain of command and to increase its capacity so as to assure coherence and autonomy for this force. With a view to increasing transparency, it is suggested that a European Defence White Book be published, including a national part in each European country. Besides, the establishment of a common European budgetary nomenclature, the elaboration of a coordinated but not constraining financial program and the evaluation of all synergies that may be found among European armies, in particular in the field of training and support are suggested. To make Europe a “security producer” requires the narrowing of decision processes in the fields of defence and security. The new security threats mean that Defence cannot be separated from security issues. The Lisbon Treaty has made provisions for justice and internal affairs to become Community action, whereas Foreign policy and Defence issues remain tributary to the intergovernmental decision making process. A major challenge for the future will be to find ways to coordinate these two approaches.

Keywords: Common Defense Policy, European Identity, Sovereignty

Mots-clé: Politique Commune de la Défense, Identité Européenne, Souveraine