RevUE of Elsa Bernard’s conference by Jérémy Lardry-Cochet

« La communautarisation de la défense européenne ? », February 14, 2024, with Elsa Bernard (University of Lille).

In a European context marked by increasing security challenges, Elsa Bernard’s conference, a prominent specialist in public law at the University of Lille and holder of the Jean Monnet Chair, acutely addressed the issue of the communalization of defense within the European Union. Her analysis highlighted the legal and institutional mechanisms that distinguish the community approach from other forms of international cooperation, underscoring the uniqueness of European integration in the defense domain.

Madame Bernard explained how, unlike traditional international organizations focused on cooperation, the European Union stands out for its deep integration process, where member states may find themselves compelled to accept decisions and laws that were not initially of their choosing. This characteristic is particularly relevant in the defense domain, traditionally governed by considerations of national sovereignty.

A striking example discussed during the conference concerns the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), launched in 2017, which symbolizes this trend towards deeper defense integration. PESCO illustrates how EU member states voluntarily engage in closer collaboration to jointly develop defense capabilities. This enhances the interoperability and competitiveness of the European defense industry.

The speaker also addressed contemporary challenges driving defense integration, such as geopolitical tensions at the EU borders, terrorism, and the impact of Brexit and the Trump administration on European security. These issues have made it imperative to renew discussions on a common European defense, although the domain remains dominated by intergovernmental considerations.

By placing these developments in perspective with current events, it is evident that European defense stands at a crossroads. The desire for increased integration, symbolized by initiatives such as PESCO and the European Defense Fund, coexists with persistent challenges related to national sovereignty and transatlantic relations. The community approach, with its potential for increased rationalization and efficiency, offers a promising path for the future of European defense, provided that member states navigate cautiously between the imperatives of collective security and national prerogatives.

Madame Bernard’s conference is a valuable contribution to understanding the complex dynamics shaping the future of defense in Europe. It calls for a thoughtful reflection on how the EU can reconcile these various challenges to strengthen its security and cohesion.

Jérémy Lardry-Cochet.