Permanent Structured Cooperation

Permanent Structured Cooperation
Name	Permanent Structured Cooperation
Type	EU Treaty framework
Date effective	11 December 2017
Condition effective	Notification by at least 25% of EU member states
Signatories	25 EU member states

Permanent Structured Cooperation. It is a framework within the European Union's Common Security and Defence Policy designed to deepen defence collaboration among willing member states. Established by the Treaty of Lisbon, it was formally activated in late 2017 to enhance military capabilities and operational readiness. This mechanism allows participating countries to jointly develop defence projects and make binding commitments to invest in shared security objectives.

Background and establishment

The legal foundation for this framework was laid in the Treaty of Lisbon, which amended the foundational treaties of the European Union, namely the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The concept gained significant political momentum following the 2016 Brexit referendum, which altered the European Union's strategic calculus. A pivotal push came from the German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen and her French counterpart, leading to the European Council adopting a joint notification in December 2017. This activation was a key component of the broader European Defence Fund initiatives championed by the European Commission under President Jean-Claude Juncker.

Objectives and principles

The primary aim is to systematically develop defence capabilities and enhance the military contributions of participants to European Union missions, such as those under the Common Security and Defence Policy. Core binding commitments include regularly increasing defence budgets, harmonizing capability requirements, and contributing to the European Defence Agency's capability development plans. These principles are designed to foster specialization, ensure interoperability of forces, and strengthen the European Union's capacity to act autonomously, as outlined in strategic documents like the EU Global Strategy formulated by Federica Mogherini.

Participating member states

The initial group of 25 participating states was announced in December 2017, including major military powers like the French Republic, the Federal Republic of Germany, and the Italian Republic. Notable original participants also encompassed the Kingdom of Spain, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the Republic of Finland. The only European Union members initially outside the framework were the United Kingdom (then still a member), Denmark (which has an opt-out from defence matters), and the Republic of Malta. Following the UK's departure, all remaining European Union member states except Denmark and the Republic of Malta are participants.

Projects and initiatives

Collaborative projects are central to its implementation, spanning various military domains. Key initiatives include the European Medical Command, the European Union Training Mission Competence Centre, and the Cyber Rapid Response Teams. Major capability development programs involve the Future Combat Air System (a joint venture by Dassault Aviation and Airbus), the Main Ground Combat System tank project, and the Eurodrone program. Naval cooperation is evident in the European Patrol Corvette project, while strategic enablers like the Military Mobility project aim to streamline cross-border movement of forces, coordinated with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Governance and decision-making

Overall political oversight rests with the Council of the European Union, specifically the Foreign Affairs Council configuration. The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, a position held by individuals like Josep Borrell, plays a central role in implementation and reporting. Operational coordination and assessment of national commitments are managed by the European Defence Agency, with support from the European Union Military Staff. Decisions within the framework are made by participating member states alone, following specific voting rules outlined in the Treaty on European Union.

Relationship with other EU and NATO structures

It is designed to complement and strengthen the broader Common Security and Defence Policy and is closely aligned with the capability goals of the European Defence Agency. Its projects often dovetail with financial instruments from the European Commission, such as the European Defence Fund. A fundamental principle is ensuring coherence and mutual reinforcement with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, recognizing it as the primary foundation for collective defence for its members. This relationship is guided by the principles of inclusiveness and reciprocity, aiming to avoid duplication and strengthen the European pillar of NATO, as emphasized in joint declarations with NATO Secretary General figures like Jens Stoltenberg.

Category:European Union defence policy Category:Military alliances