Research

Reports and papers

Europe's virtual security debate and a new transatlantic relationship

01 Jul 2010 - 16:08

In this discussion paper Hugo Klijn argues that Europe's security situation is not as perilous as many want us to believe. It is past experiences rather than today's world that make us believe that better NATO-EU cooperation must save Europe, whereas these organizations' altogether incongruous constitutions don't allow for a division of labor. In the mean time, if European countries stick to NATO this will keep the EU from developing an autonomous foreign and security policy. That's why in the longer run we will need a revamped and more balanced transatlantic partnership, first because US security involvement can not be taken for granted, second because it would stimulate the EU to fulfill its mission and, finally, because it would facilitate partnerships with third parties.