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European Defense Sovereignty in the Making: Notable Gains, Enduring Dilemmas

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  • Tuomas Iso-Markku
  • Niklas Helwig

Abstract

The combination of Russia’s war against Ukraine and the declining US engagement in Europe have resulted in increased strategic convergence between Europeanist and Atlanticist statesFor the time being, the primary goal is to strengthen NATO’s “European pillar.” To do so, member states will also use EU tools, which will help them to work toward the NATO spending goalsKey questions remain – especially how to balance national and collective defense efforts. The ReArm Europe plan, for example, increases national fiscal space, but does little to foster EU-level cooperationAt the same time, Europeans are still unsure to what extent they can, or want to, replace US capabilities. This is where the old dividing line between European states is still visibleOther trade-offs include rearming quickly versus long-term defense industrial investment, and closing current capability gaps versus focusing on future technologies

Suggested Citation

  • Tuomas Iso-Markku & Niklas Helwig, 2025. "European Defense Sovereignty in the Making: Notable Gains, Enduring Dilemmas," EconPol Forum, CESifo, vol. 26(03), pages 04-09, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:epofor:v:26:y:2025:i:03:p:04-09
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Niklas Helwig & Tuomas Iso-Markku, 2024. "The EU’s Different Modes of Defense Governance: More European Defense, But How?," EconPol Forum, CESifo, vol. 25(04), pages 15-19, July.
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