European Security And Defence In An Era Of Growing Tension And Competition Among The Great Powers

The growing tensions between the Member States of the European Union and other countries, notably the United States, on the one hand and Russia on the other hand, closely linked to the Ukrainian crisis, as well as the continuing tensions between the United States and some others, especially Asian countries on the one side and China on the other side, has sparked discussions about a renewed era of growing competition between the great powers. In this context, discussions on the urgent need to increase the level of European security and defence by modernizing existing and building new military capabilities and capacities have also intensified. Therefore, the primary goal of the author of the article, using relevant methods of qualitative theoretical interdisciplinary scientific research, is to contribute, at a time of escalating tensions in relations between the great powers, to the professional debate on issues of ensuring European security and defence. In conclusion, the author presents the view that the modernization, innovation, and development of the armed forces of the European member states of NATO and the EU represent a politically, resource-wise, and organizationally very demanding and long-term task. However, its implementation will allow European states not only to fill existing gaps, address identified shortcomings and reduce or eliminate dependence on the US, but also to increase the level of European security and defence and to defend themselves more effectively and efficiently in the event of a great power attack.