Developing European Security and Defense Policy: Finnish Strategic Choice
Abstract
The European Union (EU) is moving toward a more common foreign and security policy (CFSP). To help execute this goal, it has started to create its own military capability to conduct crisis management and peace enforcement operations. A great number of EU-nations are also members of NATO. While the goal of both organizations has been complementary efforts, there is a risk of creating an inefficient competitive situation for financial and military resources between states in these two organizations. The focal point is going to be whether to develop the EU defense policy inside and together with NATO or purely from EU resources. Finland, being militarily non-allied, is participating in the EU military concept and NATO s Partnership for Peace (PfP)-program, but in her present state is politically unwilling to join NATO. The future development of the EU s CFSP inevitably forces Finland to evaluate her future position. This project examines these strategic implications for Finland. The examination includes options 1) based on EU resources, 2) based on NATO capabilities, 3) based on practical combinations of both, and 4) describes consequences of each option to Finnish security policy and status. The paper concludes with recommendations based on consequences of each option.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 26, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA468983
Entities
People
- Jari Kytola
Organizations
- United States Army War College