The future of European security: Potsdam discusses strategies!

The future of European security: Potsdam discusses strategies!

Experts met yesterday in Potsdam for an exciting discussion about the future of European security and defense policy. The event took place at the state headquarters on Heinrich-Mann-Allee and was particularly relevant given the changing transatlantic security situation. The need for an independent security organization for Europe is more relevant than ever, as US President Donald Trump's second term in office leaves room for speculation about the future role of the US as a protecting power for Europe. Experts including Dr. Ronja Kempin from the Science and Politics Foundation (SWP) discussed the urgent challenges and potential measures to strengthen the European security architecture. It became clear that the EU must redesign its defense and security policy in order to be able to respond appropriately to current developments.

What is the EU's role in the world? Fraser Cameron describes the EU as an “unusual superpower”, although it does not have the military resources of a classic superpower, but still has considerable “soft power” through its enormous internal market. The EU currently represents 16% of global trade. However, the EU's influence on international standards, also known as the "Brussels effect", could soon become even more important. In many places, even in countries like Indonesia and Brazil, these standards influence national practices. But the geopolitical tensions that have increased as a result of the corona pandemic show that it is up to the EU to develop suitable instruments for its foreign and security policy.

The challenges of defense policy

The discussion about a European army has gained momentum since Jean-Claude Juncker's words in 2015. He called for the EU to form a stronger united military front. While progress has been made in the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) since then, there has been no real breakthrough. Numerous experts, including Michael Gahler, Member of the European Parliament, and General Robert Brieger, Chairman of the European Military Committee, emphasize that while a war of aggression in Europe has given the EU remarkable capacity to act, it remains unclear whether this dynamic will last.

The discussion also touched on the results of the 2021 Conference on the Future of Europe, which discussed new perspectives for the EU and its security policy ambitions. Surveys show a clear vote among citizens for strengthening European foreign and security policy, but how EU states will respond to these demands remains to be seen. A fundamental shift in policy thinking is required to ensure that the EU has a significant role in the global security architecture, especially at a time when the threat from non-state actors is increasing and hybrid warfare is the order of the day.

In summary, the debate about European security and defense policy is not just a topic for political scientists or military strategists, but affects everyone in Europe. The question remains: Is the EU ready to position itself as a serious player on the global stage? What is needed to increase security awareness in Member States and encourage them to cooperate?

For more information on this topic visit Meeting point Potsdam, Europe in the classroom or ESUT.