Recent shifts in world politics have shown that, alongside NATO, we need more European military cooperation than ever. Strengthening Europe’s military autonomy would guarantee the readiness to respond to armed conflict even without US support.
JEF Finland demands increased European military cooperation. Military coordination between member states must be strengthened, for example through greater intelligence-sharing and joint exercises. This goal can be advanced through, for example, the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) framework, but new cooperation bodies should also be explored. Military cooperation can also be deepened with countries outside the EU, such as the United Kingdom, Canada and Norway.
New EU financial instruments must guarantee member states the fiscal room to manoeuvre that enables increased defence spending. Funding must also be secured to ensure the continuity of military support for Ukraine. Russia’s frozen assets could be used as a funding source for the latter.
European alternatives should be given priority in military procurement. Europe should not buy military equipment from states that flagrantly violate its fundamental values. Investments in defence industry and technology supporting this goal must be increased Europe-wide, for example through joint debt.
The goal must be to unify the military capabilities of European states. This goal can also be advanced alongside NATO cooperation, but the emphasis must shift in a more European direction. The Union’s rapid reaction force serves as the basis for a common army.
For more information:
Nea Baarman
President