Redefining the Transatlantic bargain: A Call for European Security

The transatlantic relationship, a cornerstone of global stability, faces unprecedented challenges. While past cooperation has yielded meaningful benefits, recent shifts in global dynamics and evolving security threats necessitate a re-examination of the existing framework. To ensure sustained security and prosperity,Europe must assume a greater share of responsibility for its own defense and contribute meaningfully to global security efforts.

A Stronger European Pillar: Key Steps for Enhanced Security

Advocates for a revitalized transatlantic partnership emphasize the need for Europe to bolster its defense capabilities to meet contemporary challenges effectively. “We have proposed a major agenda for building such a pillar and strengthening transatlantic security,” state former officials from Europe, the U.S., and NATO.

• Increased Defense Spending: European nations should strive to increase their defense spending closer to the Cold War average (above 3 percent) to modernize and expand their military forces, addressing decades of underinvestment.
• Enhanced Combat Readiness: European militaries must improve the readiness of their combat forces, aiming to deploy over 300,000 troops within 30 days and an additional 400,000 within six months.
• Strategic Enabler Acquisition: Europe requires a more robust suite of strategic enablers, including aerial refueling, heavy-lift capabilities, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets, electronic warfare systems, space-based capabilities, and advanced air and missile defenses.
• Ammunition and supply Stockpiles: Building a six-month inventory of ammunition, fuel, and spare parts at a high consumption rate is crucial for sustaining combat operations.
• Arm Industry Reform: Addressing the fragmentation of Europe’s arms industry will ensure timely delivery of crucial capabilities and optimize resource allocation.

U.S. Role: Sustaining Transatlantic Security

While urging Europe to step up its defense commitments, experts also emphasize the vital role of the United States in maintaining transatlantic security.Key actions include:

• Maintaining Military Presence: Sustaining a robust military presence in Europe, encompassing land, air, and naval forces, sends a clear message of U.S.commitment to its allies.
• Reaffirming Collective Defense: Reaffirming the unconditional U.S. commitment to collective defense under the NATO treaty, including the nuclear deterrent, is essential for deterring aggression.
• Facilitating Armament Cooperation: The United States should review and potentially adjust its approach to armament cooperation, including export controls and access to its domestic market, to foster stronger collaboration with european allies.

The Path Forward: A Sustainable Transatlantic Bargain

the transatlantic relationship faces a pivotal moment. Both Europe and the United States must acknowledge the evolving security landscape and work collaboratively to forge a sustainable transatlantic bargain.

“to turn a page on the burden-sharing debate, we need a radically new and sustainable transatlantic bargain… A Europe that takes much more responsibility for its own security and for global security would strengthen the argument that NATO is actually a good deal for the U.S.And if it fails to convince Washington of that reality, than it will at least possess better means to provide for its own defense,” argue experts. This shared responsibility, coupled with a renewed commitment to collective security, will be essential for ensuring peace and prosperity in the 21st century.

Considering the evolving global security landscape and the need for a stronger European defence posture, what specific defense capabilities should Europe prioritize to effectively contribute to global security efforts?

Redefining the Transatlantic Bargain: A Call for European Security – An Interview wiht Dr. Journalé Dupré

Introduction

Dr. Journalé Dupré, a renowned defense policy analyst and former senior advisor to the European Union’s Security and Defence Agenda, joins us today to discuss the evolving transatlantic relationship and the path forward for European security. Welcome, Dr. Dupré.

A Stronger European Pillar: Key Steps for Enhanced Security

Given the shifting global dynamics, what are the key steps Europe should take to bolster its defense capabilities and contribute more effectively to global security efforts?

Dr. Dupré: Thank you for having me. Europe faces a pivotal moment in its defenseposture,and I agree that increased responsibility is crucial. Firstly, we must close the gap in defense spending. The Cold War average of above 3 percent GDP should be our target to modernize and expand our military forces. Secondly, we need to enhance our combat readiness, aiming for rapid deployment of our troops. Additionally, we need to acquire and stockpile strategic enablers and supplies to sustain combat operations. Addressing the fragmentation of our arms industry is also key to optimizing resource allocation and ensuring timely delivery of crucial capabilities.

U.S. Role: Sustaining Transatlantic Security

while urging Europe to step up its defense commitments, what role should the United States play in maintaining transatlantic security?

Dr. Dupré: The U.S. has a vital role in sustaining our collective security.It must maintain a robust military presence in Europe to reaffirm its commitment to its allies. Additionally, the U.S. should review its approach to armament cooperation, fostering stronger collaboration with European allies. However, it’s crucial for the U.S. to also acknowledge the need for Europe to take on more responsibility, making the NATO bargain lasting in the long run.

The Path Forward: A Sustainable Transatlantic Bargain

How can Europe and the U.S. collaborate to forge a sustainable transatlantic bargain, turning a page on the burden-sharing debate?

Dr. Dupré: Both Europe and the U.S. must recognize the need for a radically new bargain. Europe should take much more responsibility for its own security and global security efforts. This shared responsibility, coupled with renewed commitment to collective security, will strengthen the argument that NATO is a good deal for the U.S. and ensure peace and prosperity in the 21st century.

Dr. Dupré, thank you for your insights. It’s clear that a revitalized transatlantic partnership is essential for maintaining global security in an evolving landscape.

Your Thoughts

What steps do you think Europe should take to strengthen its defense capabilities, and how can the U.S. and Europe work together to forge a sustainable transatlantic bargain? Share your thoughts in the comments below.