Towards Stronger EU Military and Defence Capabilities?
Towards Stronger EU Military and Defence Capabilities?

Summary/Abstract: European Union (EU) has since the beginning tried to develop its military and defence capabilities independently from NATO. It was not until 1991 and with the deterioration of situation in the former Yugoslav republics when EU and EU's public was forced to face the truth and admit EU's incompetence and inability to play a more decisive role in securing peace and stability. With the development of Common Foreign and Security policy (CFSP), and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) EU has started to become a more decisive actor also in the field of international peace and security. During the times, EU has learned its future is not in playing a competitive role towards NATO, but in strong partnership and cooperation. Article identifies and analyses current possibilities for EU as a strong(er) actor in international peace and security. To reach this goal, historical circumstances for the development of EU military and defence capabilities are analysed. Current situation and major defectiveness of EU's military and defence capabilities are identified, with emphasize on role of NATO. Article identifies some major obstacles for the development of stronger defence and military capabilities in the future.

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