Structures and Mechanisms of Multilateral Cooperation among EU Countries in the Field of Security and Defence

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

Abstract. The article examines the mechanisms and priorities of European multilateral cooperation among EU countries in security and defence. The author focuses mainly on recent trends in the context of russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine. The article emphasises that the common security and defence policy constitutes a significant area of the EU’s statutory activities. According to the founding treaties, it stems from specific principles that entail voluntary commitments and asymmetric participation in various forms of multilateral interaction. The withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the Union and the russian-Ukrainian war has accelerated the development of the EU countries’ common security and defence policy. This is evident in the expanded powers of bodies responsible for the defence sector and the management of joint operations, the accelerated development of rapid response forces, and the approval of a strategy for modernising the defence industry. Moreover, the article analyses the European Union’s role and status in international relations. It notes that political theorists have generally been critical of the EU’s claims to be a global legislator of international communication rules, values, and norms. The author highlights that the EU’s governing structures are gradually recognising the new threats posed by the resurgence of continental imperialist war. The EU’s 2022–24 documents and programmes aim to increase member states’ capacity to counter potential aggression, strengthen the EU’s role in ensuring stability around its borders, and spread European values among its partners. The conclusions state that various military-industrial projects for the development and production of armaments are competing within the EU. Conflicting initiatives also exist regarding the creation of joint air forces and a European missile defence system. Keywords: European security, common security and defence policy, military aid to Ukraine, European Union, NATO, strategic partnership.