Submissions Issue 4

The need to defend Europe has never been more pressing. The past decade has put an end to any illusions: the end of history, the invincibility of the liberal world order or the idea of Europe as an irreversible haven of freedom and prosperity all turned out to be wishful thinking. Optimistic assumptions have been challenged by numerous turmoils and systemic shocks, coming from both within and outside of the EU. By the end of 2023, we know that we cannot expect freedom, peace, and democracy to sustain themselves without our continuous and coordinated effort. Instead, we must be able to defend ourselves: our territories, our democracies, our Union and its global influence. How well are we prepared for this? 

The need for bold decisions to upgrade the defence capabilities of the EU is paramount in the face of evolving security threats and the imperative of safeguarding democracy and freedom on the continent.  On the one hand, the security landscape in Europe and beyond is rapidly changing, with emerging challenges such as cyberattacks, hybrid warfare, and transnational terrorism demanding an innovative and coordinated approach to defence.  On the other hand, defending democracy requires more than just military might; it necessitates resilient institutions, robust cybersecurity, and effective strategies to counter disinformation and foreign interference. Furthermore, the EU’s global ambition requires it to provide a strong countermodel – and a counternarrative – to the authoritarian actors that are becoming increasingly aggressive across the world. Future-oriented decisions must thus encompass investments in cutting-edge technology, cross-border cooperation, and a comprehensive approach that integrates both military and non-military tools, alongside building strong international alliances with like-minded partners.