Eurocorps in European Common Security and Defense Policy. Functioning, Structure, Competence

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Eurocorps in European Common Security and Defense Policy. Functioning, Structure, Competence

Journal Title: Kwartalnik "Bellona" - Year 2018, Vol 692, Issue 1

Abstract

In the last two years, the perception of security situation in Europe has dramatically changed. Considering the strained situation of tensions and crises in close proximity of Europe, Brexit, and a series of unprecedented terrorist attacks inside the EU states, it is highly essential that the countries be capable of joint activity in the context of key EU interests and menace. The EU societies are well informed about the threats to the Schengen Area. Such forms of threats to security as unprecedented in size illegal immigration, terrorist acts on the European territory, the falling of state structures, the sinking of the African and Middle East states into the abyss of internal wars, the reinforcement of Russia’s military potential or the North Korea’s attempts to deter international societies by means of nuclear potential should all be a reason enough for further European integration. However, considering negative tendencies inside most of the EU member states to reduce expenses on defense1, international command structures such as Eurocorps, despite the aforementioned threats, are presently facing disadvantageous processes, such as reducing human resources or equipment. On the other hand, when facing the same threats, present command structures in NATO as regards structures and tasks, as well as the revived will to enforce common security and defense policy in the EU are a chance for wider engagement of international military units and may drive Eurocorps to become a proper tool in the future for development of the security system of the framework and associated nations. It can be assumed that the EC cooperation of recent years with the EU organizations will make the balancing of NATO and EU tasks dominant during the Common Committee’s decision-making on the future engagement of Eurocorps. From the point of view of national interest, considering autonomous decision on reducing personnel and equipment, there are several arguments supporting further interest in Eurocorps within the frames of international defense cooperation. The problem of further integration within the multinational military structure, such as Eurocorps, seems still ongoing, because the change of threat nature in the environment of European security, including a politically noticeable shift of main interest to the “old EU”, and the declaration of strategic partnership between the EU and NATO2 as being complementary, and not competitive, all justifies the necessity to search further for initiatives of building more effective system of security in our part of continent. Such situation requires the engagement of Poland in various European defense initiatives. Poland, being a state of serious military potential, is faced with high expectations regarding decision-making and its influence on the shape of European security system, including the participation in the future defense structures at different levels, which can be a factor in building a strong position of the Polish Armed Forces in international structures.

Authors and Affiliations

Andrzej Knap

EP ID EP420628
DOI -
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