Europäisierung der Verteidigungsgüter

In light of the Russian Federation's unlawful war of aggression against Ukraine and growing uncertainties about the reliability of the transatlantic partnership, the question of Europe's defense capability is increasingly moving to the forefront of political and public debate. With reference to European sovereignty, policymakers are increasingly seeking solutions at the EU level that can meaningfully complement NATO. However, within EU law, the Common Security and Defense Policy is a special regulatory area that is largely exempt from the EU's typical principles of supranationality and instead relies on intergovernmental cooperation. Laura Maria Wolfstädter develops a reform proposal that divides the concept of armed forces into a personnel component and a material component, thereby allowing ownership of defense equipment to be concentrated in a yet-to-be-established European Defense Union. The proposed reform would strengthen Europe's military capabilities by enabling a division of financial responsibilities and enhancing interoperability. This Europeanization of defense equipment is complemented by a mutual defense clause among EU Member States that goes beyond the scope of the current solidarity clause. With her vision for Europe's future defense architecture, the author provides a basis for discussion for current reform efforts concerning the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy.