Towards a European Total Defence Union?

Wars are not only fought on the frontlines. This is evident in Ukraine's defence against Russia's aggression, which requires not only military action but also the constant reconstruction of civilian structures attacked by the enemy. Defence is thus not only a matter for the military, but for the whole of society. In Sweden and Finland, this insight has led to the establishment of a total defence –a defence that includes all actors in society.

In this analysis, Katarina Engberg, Senior Advisor at SIEPS, examines the emerging building blocks of a European Total Defence Union. The European Commission aims to create both a European Defence Union and a Preparedness Union, and coordinating these initiatives is both complex and necessary. This is also emphasised in the report on European security commissioned by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen from former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö and published in October 2024. The analysis includes a review of the main features of the Niinistö report.

Many of the tools needed to build this organisation are already in place within the EU, but Engberg points to several factors that could complicate implementation:

• The complexity of the task

• The varying circumstances of member states

• Treaty constraints

• The need for resources

• The balance of competences between the Member States and the Commission

The author further argues that the fate of Ukraine will be significant for the future of the EU, as Europeans must take greater responsibility for both their own and Ukraine's security. She also points out that Ukraine's potential EU membership is crucial for the population's will to fight.

The analysis provides an overview of the political and bureaucratic efforts required to build up both civilian and military structures within the EU. Increasing civilian security and military capabilities is both costly and difficult, but the alternative may prove even more daunting.