European defence cooperation: New impetus needed

Briefing 18-12-2013

The December 2013 European Council summit is due to debate the EU's security and defence policy. Many expect the summit to give renewed impetus to European defence, as economic austerity has had a severe impact on the defence budgets and military capabilities of EU Member States (MS). The importance of greater cooperation in further developing the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), in closing capability gaps and in strengthening the European defence industry is increasingly underlined in both academic and official circles. However, MS are still reluctant to cooperate fully in an area they consider clearly a matter of national sovereignty.