Further Development of the European Security and Defense Identity: 'Still a Long Way to Go'

摘要

Since 1998, the development of the European Security and Defense Identity (ESDI) gained new momentum. National interests of the major European countries seem to converge. By 2003, the European Union (EU) wants to lead military operations in response to international crisis, in circumstances where NATO as a whole is not engaged militarily. In November 2000, the 15 EU members offered some 100,000 troops, 400 aircraft and 100 ships for the EU rapid reaction force. With these forces the EU will only be able to execute peacekeeping operations, and NATO assets have to be used as well. However, for peace-enforcing and autonomous military operations the European capabilities have to be strengthened. The further development of ESDI faces many challenges. Large investments must be made in a time when defense budgets are not likely to increase. The lack of leadership and the bureaucratic decision-making process in the EU are not favorable for the development of a European Strategic Concept In addition, the role of non-EU NATO allies, especially Turkey, demands a political solution. The further development of ESDI brings opportunities as well. A successful ESDI will contribute to a stronger and more responsive Europe. It will also enable the Western European Union (WEU) to integrate in the EU and it will create new and better ways of European defense cooperation. In the long term, a successful ESDI will even have consequences for the transatlantic relationship between the U.S. and Europe. There is enough political will in Europe to make ESDI successful, but much remains to be done to further develop ESDI. One thing is for sure, for autonomous European military operations it is 'still a long way to go'.