Extract
[...] In the end, it turns out that the EU is looking for its place between the United States and Russia. The latter, by the way, is a privileged economic partner of certain European states (Germany) in terms of trade and energy supply in gas, so that the EU's position is delicate in front of Russia since it must show firmness while being close economically. Moreover, France does not hesitate to relaunch the dialogue between the EU and Russia, a first since 2014, to get closer to it, through the consultative committee on cooperation and security, due to its inescapable position in the files on Ukraine and Syria. [...]
[...] Behind this common defense project, however, there is a risk of division in Europe in that other countries, such as the United Kingdom, Italy, and Sweden, want to develop a competing project. Finally, from a technical standpoint, the formation of a European army poses practical obstacles in that the organization of defense differs from one country to another, just as the language. Not to mention that Brexit will further weaken European defense, even if the United Kingdom can remain anchored to the European Union. [...]
[...] To strengthen European defense, different solutions can be considered within the framework of European military cooperation. One can thus cite the 'Permanent Structured Cooperation' or the idea of a 'European Intervention Initiative', as proposed by the French President on 26 September 2017. This is more precisely about introducing between the States a European strategic culture, cohesion, dialogue, and a planning practice between the armies of the different States that can thus lead to common military operations, if necessary, and more quickly. [...]
[...] However, the unity and credibility of NATO are being questioned following Turkey's attack on Kurds in Syria in October 2019, which undermines the security of Europeans (contrary to Article 5 of NATO), and were not consulted by the Americans (contrary to Article 44) when they took the decision to withdraw unilaterally. However, a stronger Europe on the military front, which would increase its military capabilities and spending (as it has done since 2016) to of GDP, would strengthen NATO and not compete with it. In addition, the development of European defense is gradually taking shape in practical terms. A European construction in the field of defense is being put in place. [...]
[...] This escalation between Russia and its European neighbor is also explained by the prospect of NATO's expansion to Georgia and Ukraine. In fact, since the invasion of Crimea in 2014, Russia has based its new military doctrine on targeting NATO's expansion as a fundamental threat to its security. On the other hand, the economic sanctions taken against Russia by the EU have continued since the Ukrainian crisis. Since the end of the Cold War, there has been a permanent security dialogue between the EU and Russia. [...]
