Transcript Gemensam strategi mot nya hot – ett EU

The Variable Geometry of
European Security
Cooperation – Impact on
Institutions and Small States
Reykjavik
14 October 2011
Variable Geometry

Countries cooperating in a large
variety of groups whose composition
is determined by the purpose of
cooperation.
In Addition
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Initiatives emanate primarily from
capitals
Institutions are more of facilitators
than actors
Groups are more often formed across
institutional borderlines
Variable Geometry as Perceived in
the 1990’s

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Institutionally based cooperation
leading towards integration through
a) vanguard groups, leading others
b) core groups in concentric circles
Europe à la carte: opt-in and opt-out
From High Priority of Integration to
Common Interests

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EU as a peace project is today
largely forgotten also within the
founding states.
EU states to a very large degree
have a common threat perception
according to the European Security
Strategy (2003 and 2008)
Why Variable Geometry?

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New types and variety of threats makes
security cooperation more varied.
Enlargement of the EU has made it more
heterogeneous and more difficult to
manage.
Fewer initiatives emanating from the EU.
Ongoing institutional changes within the
EU.
Variable Geometry as Established
Policy
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Coalitions of the willing: due to the
voluntary character of peace
operations etc
Regional cooperation. Increased
impetus by financial crisis
Variable Geometry and
Integration

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Prüm Convention: close cooperation
among some EU countries in justice
and home affairs against terrorism
and international crime
Euro: but in which direction now?
Variable Geometry for
Leadership and Influence

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Formal groups: Franco-German, G6
Informal: Weimar Triangle (France,
Germany and Poland) Anglo-French,
Nordic, various contact groups etc
Impact on European Security

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Giving the needed input which the
EU is not able to give, increasing
efficiency
…and solving internal problems
within the group
…but risking that the momentum is
created by the interests of the group
rather than by all
Impact on Institutions

Risk that institutions may become
even less important.
-This is a responsibility of the
countries involved to show
transparency and move issues to
EU decision-making when relevant
- Also a responsibility for EU
institutions ex Commission, EEAS
etc to take initiatives
Impact on Small Countries –
The Need to be Active

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Small countries need to be
knowledgeable, active, reliable and
therefore sought-for partners.
They should do what they can to
forward long-term and European
solutions, which are the best ones for
the small.