How can a new Security Council boost the EU's defence strategy? Ask the Euronews AI chatbot
The EU is reviving the idea of a European Security Council as Russia's hybrid attacks continue and reliance on US commitment to NATO remains risky. But how could this look like? Ask the Euronews AI chatbot.
As the European Union has seen a significant increase in defence spending, totalling €10.5 billion for the European Defence Fund and military mobility, concerns have arisen regarding the lack of a robust mechanism for rapid crisis response and coordinated defence efforts. Existing challenges include strained US ties, repeated threats to cut NATO funding, and growing worries over Russian hybrid attacks, airspace violations, cyberattacks, and sabotage.
In response to these issues, the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, proposed the establishment of the European Security Council (ESC) in September. The ESC aims to become Europe's first permanent crisis-management forum, ensuring security and defence remain on the agenda throughout the year. The council seeks to enhance operational unity, speed coordination, strengthen strategic direction, and unify crisis responses across member states.
The ESC would bring together EU leaders and international partners, such as Ukraine, Canada, Norway, and the UK. It proposes an emergency security protocol, modeled on NATO's Article 4, allowing members to call consultations when they perceive threats to their security, territorial integrity, or political independence. This would enable them to plan a coordinated response.
The proposal echoes a 2018 initiative by French President Emmanuel Macron and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, as outlined in the Meseberg Declaration, which aimed to "Renew Europe's promises of security and prosperity."
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