The Military Dimension of the European Union

In: SIPRI yearbook: armaments, disarmament and international security, S. 151-173

Abstract

Events in 2001 served as a mid-course test for the pursuit of the European Security & Defence Policy (ESDP). The post-11 September developments brought home to the EU the reality of its role & potential in the transatlantic relationship. In 2001 the ESDP was declared operational, but the issue of EU access to NATO's assets remained unresolved. The question of duplication of efforts by the EU & NATO has also not been sufficiently addressed. Defining the ESDP & building public support for increased spending will pose a challenge in the coming years. Adapted from the source document.