As the conflict in Ukraine enters its third year, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, called for more European commitment for the EU Defence Union architecture. The Commission President also mentioned at the 2024 Munich Security Conference that the next European Commission should include ‘a dedicated defence portfolio’.

In response to the possibility of an upcoming appointment for a European Commissioner for Defence, Thomas Sohst, representing DBwV German Armed Forces and President of CESI’s Expert Commission ‘Defence’, declared: “Having Defence Commissioner might be a significant turning point to have a more united approach to defence policies in Europe, but it is important for the selected Commissioner to be capable to advance multiple topics -not just defence procurement- and to be able to get more engaged in the project with the Member States .”

On February 28 2024 the European Parliament adopted the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) Annual Report. The document recommends unwavering support for the commitments made in the Versailles Declaration of March 2022 by EU heads of state and government to bolster defence capabilities of and provide necessary support to Ukraine. It calls for greater coordination with transatlantic allies and NATO and stresses the need to update the EU’s Strategic Compass to incorporate lessons from recent conflicts. The report urges EU Member States to accelerate the implementation of the Strategic Compass through increased military cooperation. It underscores the importance of the EU’s ability to act rapidly in crises and calls for reforms to the decision-making system to enable more efficient foreign, security, and defence actions. The text also states its support for the appointment of a Defence Union Commissioner and emphasises the importance of strengthening the EU’s Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC). Additionally, it highlights the importance of implementing the Rapid Deployment Capacity and conducting live exercises to improve capabilities and interoperability.

Klaus Heeger, Secretary General of CESI, reacted to the need to establish the Rapid Deployment Capacity (RDC) as a permanent force with regular joint exercises to improve readiness and interoperability by increasing the EU’s capacity to deploy up to 60,000 troops: “The EU needs more investments for enhancing military mobility, strengthening defence financing, and improving defence capabilities. The focus on the human element should not be overlooked.”

The European Parliament’s report on the implementation of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) Annual Report for 2023, was adopted the same day. It highlights the critical importance of a united and effective European approach to foreign affairs and security challenges and sketches the need to enhance the EU’s capacity to act as a global actor. It emphasises the need for a robust and agile CFSP that enables the EU to respond effectively to evolving geopolitical challenges and highlights the EU’s potential to play a proactive and constructive role in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity worldwide through diplomatic initiatives, conflict resolution efforts, and crisis management mechanisms.

Thomas Sohst noted: “In the wake of escalating conflicts in both Ukraine and Gaza, the imperative for a robust European Defence Union coupled with defence joint procurement has become increasingly evident. The EU, amidst these crises, faces a pivotal moment where cohesive, proactive measures are essential to safeguarding its values, peace and prosperity.”