On March 19th this year, the European Commission unveiled the White Paper on European Defence – Readiness 2030, outlining a new defence strategy for the European Union.
The document consists of an introduction and eight chapters that reflect the vision of the leaders of a united Europe regarding what the EU’s defence strategy should be, given the volatility of the geopolitical situation in the context of the war in Ukraine, expectations of radical changes in U.S. policy and commitments, Russia’s intentions, and other factors.
The provisions of the White Paper indicate a recognition of Russia as an “existential threat to the European Union”, based on its history of invading other countries and its current expansionist policies.
Changes in the U.S. approach to European security are acknowledged as a reality that must be addressed, while NATO is reaffirmed as the “cornerstone of collective defence”. The overall political balance that emerged after World War II is described as “irreversibly disrupted”. The formation of a new world order is now a short-term reality, and Europe’s task is to become an active creator of this new order rather than a passive recipient of its consequences.
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