EU–NATO: Pooling & Sharing Concept in the Context of Current Challenges and Threats to Security

Abstract

The international security environment from the last decade is reporting exceptionally dynamic and profound changes. Contemporary new threats are more diversified and unpredictable. Fighting them requires effective cooperation of the organizations responsible for the security, which are
contending with many problems. During radical budget cuts the issue of financing of the defence is becoming a huge challenge for the states of EU, having gaps in the military strength. Opportunity to strengthen military cooperation becomes a sharing capabilities, the rational management of resources and the efficient use of defense resources. These are the components of the concept of Pooling & Sharing, which similarly to her equivalent in the NATO, Smart Defence, has emerged as a direct response to the crisis, but its importance will continue to grow in the future, also during the good economic situation.
The aim of the article is to analyze the cooperation between the EU and NATO at the political and operational level and revealing the underlying problems in the relationship. In the context of current challenges and threats to the security the efficient and consistent development of mutual capabilities while avoiding duplication of structures and activities is necessary for a comprehensive and credible approach to the common defense and strengthening transatlantic ties.