1. Europe's Search for a Common Defence Capability
By:
Dr. Isabelle Desmartis {1}
December 1999
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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languages.
This research note examines the efforts of European countries to develop a common defence capability.
Specifically introduced as part of the Maastricht Treaty in 1992, this idea evolved within two separate and
distinct contexts: within NATO – the purpose here being to develop a European Security and Defence Identity
(ESDI) within the Atlantic Alliance – and within the European Union (EU). The results differ depending
on whether progress is made in one context or the other, either favouring the Euro-Atlantic approach or the
European approach, in which America will play no role.
Until recently, France was practically alone in favouring European autonomy in defence realm. In late 1998,
however, the British did an about-face and opted to join France in supporting the development of a European
military capability, despite their prior refusal to entertain such a proposal. This sudden reversal on the part
of the British did not, however, stem from a desire to distance themselves from the Atlantic Alliance. On the
contrary, it originated out of a realistic vision of European security within the Atlantic framework.
The fact is that the problems the Europeans have had managing the crises in the former Yugoslavia and, more
notably, the recent war in Kosovo, have revealed the full magnitude of European dependence on the Americans
when dealing with crisis situations on their own continent. The Europeans began to recognize the necessity
of co-ordinating their efforts if they wanted to remain valid partners in the transatlantic relationship. Since
the end of the 1990's, the Europeans have made drastic cuts to their military budgets. Although these budgets
have recently begun to stabilize, the gap between American and European military capabilities is widening.
Not only have the European spent a great deal less than the Americans on defence – American expenditures
alone account for 60% of the total expenses assumed by NATO countries in 1998 – the Europeans are generally
continuing to finance the maintenance of armies designed for the cold war. The Americans have also built
up an almost insurmountable lead in the field of military technology, and the resulting gap in the Alliance
may threaten its future effectiveness, given the potential problems surrounding interoperability. This explains
the increasing insistence that the development of ESDI runs parallel with the development of the Defence
Capabilities Initiative adopted at the Washington Summit of April 1999, whose purpose is to ensure the future
interoperability of NATO members.
The Europeans will have to cross several hurdles before they can claim genuine autonomy in their military
capabilities. One of the most difficult will be the adherence to a common European vision of defence that
transcends distinct national interests. Among other things, they will have to restructure their armies, invest
in new technologies, harmonize their military materiel acquisition procedures, create weapons procurement
partnerships and make them work. Such efforts will be necessary either if they are to develop an ESDI and build
an autonomous European defence capability outside NATO. There can be no doubt that the requirements will
be much greater in the second case.
The future of the Atlantic Alliance is intimately linked to these issues. NATO will have to try to preserve a
fragile balance. This will involve strengthening the military capabilities of the European powers to allow for
interoperability among allies without, however, casting doubts on the American commitment in European
security. Canada's interests will undoubtedly lean towards the development of a European military capability
that promotes, rather than threatens, the continuing importance of the transatlantic link.
1. Directorate Research Notes are written to document material which does not warrant or require
more formal publication. The contents do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of National
Defence.