A new European security and defence architecture in the making: What does it look like and what are the implications for Norway? (EURODEFENCE)

Several initiatives have been taken in recent years to strengthen European defence cooperation in capability development and capacity to act. The need for strategic autonomy has been emphasised. These initiatives make up a whole new set of policies and institutions – both at the EU-level (i.e. PESCO, CARD and EDF) and outside of the EU structures (i.e. EI2, JEF, FNC).

Even though the incumbent US President is more Europe-friendly than his predecessor, the ongoing European processes will continue to move ahead as they have already made their mark in the European defence architecture. The aim of this project is to investigate what these new initiatives mean in the wider security and defence context and what the implications are for (1) the European security and defence institutions and (2) the broader European capacity to handle various potential security threats through different constellations, such as ad hoc coalitions of the willing, through NATO or within the EU.

Importantly, EURODEFENCE will study the implications of the new European defence initiatives for Norway particularly, as an allied and closely associated non-member of the EU. Despite the incremental nature of the European initiatives and the steadfast NATO loyalty in Norway, the European initiatives have changed the drivers, dynamics and practices of European and transatlantic defence cooperation, and this project will unravel how this has changed and what the consequences are for Norway.

The project is a collaboration with Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences.