European defence for security and peace

Policy Brief

Ensuring the security and well-being of its citizens is at the core of the European Union. From Ukraine to the Middle East to North Africa, armed conflicts are ravaging around the EU. With growing geopolitical tensions and a shifting global order, these threats demand a new approach to the Union’s defence policy. Instead of fragmented national policies, Europe’s security needs a united European defence.

This policy brief by the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS), in collaboration with Centro Studi, formazione, comunicazione e progettazione sull’Unione Europea e la global governance (CesUE), explores ambitious proposals for a new European defence policy. Edited by Roberto Castaldi, Associate Professor of Political Theory and Director of the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence fEUture at eCampus University and Director of the CesUE and Euractiv Italia, it builds on the socialists and democrats’ leading role in the EU’s foreign and security policy for the past 25 years. From proposing the first modern vision of a European army to supporting greater defence cooperation within NATO, they have continuously put forward policies that protect European citizens while upholding democratic values.

The policy brief highlights the need for a strategic shift towards a defence model that combines shared European military capabilities with the ability to mobilise national forces when needed, also positioning the EU as a strong pillar within NATO. Given the evolving geopolitical landscape, the EU should prioritise the creation of its own hard power while strengthening its traditional soft power.

Key recommendations include removing unanimity in EU foreign and security decision-making, accelerating the establishment of a dual defence model through mechanisms like Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), and ensuring adequate financing for a robust and democratically governed EU defence. Furthermore, the EU must enhance military efficiency through joint investments, safeguard candidate countries in the enlargement process, and contribute to global peace efforts, potentially in collaboration with the United Nations. The policy brief emphasises that this requires the EU to think ambitiously, act decisively, and move beyond conventional approaches to security and defence.

This policy brief was developed in the framework of FEPS EU Defence Working Group.