European Defense: Strategic Choices for 2030

Abstract

The rise of great power competition and the erosion of a rules-based order pose a growing threat to Europe’s prosperity and security. Because of this changing environment, the European Union needs to enhance its security and defense capabilities. Distinct and strategic measures should be taken for the EU to achieve a higher level of defense capabilities and to create a more autonomous and secure Union. While the EU currently possesses the economic and technological capabilities needed to create a stronger common defense, it hesitates to take necessary action. This Task Force presents recommendations that would enable a stronger collective response to potential threats and expand EU defense capabilities. While defense has historically been an area in which individual member states have acted with sovereignty, the authors of this report believe that presenting unified strategic responses would be more effective than independent national responses. In this report, recommendations will be made that would lead to a stronger and more unified EU defense strategy.