The European defense pact

Abstract

Ten years ago the leaders of the EU Member States signed the Lisbon Treaty, which provides the possibility of enhanced structural cooperation (PESCO) within the EU Common Security and Defense Policy. Only on 22 June 2017 the European Council agreed to such cooperation by a group of willing countries. The earlier adoption of the European Global Strategy (28.06.2016) had a significant impact on this decision. In the light of this document, the EU will pursue a more active security policy and will endeavor to strengthen the European defense system, inter alia by supporting and funding defense projects, and research and development of modern technologies. It was decided to create a European Defense Fund - EDF, in which about 500 million euros could be used in the coming years. In order to make better use of the existing strategic potential, the Annual Defense Review (CARD) procedures were launched. However, in order to coordinate and improve command of military operations, the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) was established. Among the EU Member States, France and Germany are the most active in promoting PESCO but have not yet submitted specific projects. Decisions on the composition of the states participating in the structures of permanent structured cooperation will be made within the next months.