Brussels, my love? Can EU capitals club together to defend defence?

Summary

This week on 'Brussels My Love', we delve into the EU's defense ambitions amidst increasing global tensions and the aftermath of Portugal's legislative elections, which saw a significant political shift. The EU aims to bolster its defense industry, moving towards joint procurement of arms in response to external threats, as exemplified by Sweden joining NATO. Meanwhile, Portugal's election results reveal a surge for center-right conservatives and the rise of a new right-wing party, reflecting wider European political trends. Our panel, including experts and MEPs, discusses the feasibility of the EU's defense strategy and the implications of Portugal's elections for the upcoming EU parliamentary elections, emphasizing the importance of European unity and resilience.

Takeaways

• 📚 The EU aims to reduce dependency on non-EU countries for defense supplies, looking to revamp its defense industry by promoting joint procurement of arms.
• 🌍 After eight years in power, Portugal's Socialist Party faces a significant loss in legislative elections, with a surge in support for center-right conservatives and a new right-wing party.
• 🔒 Sweden's accession to NATO, ending 200 years of neutrality, signifies a strategic shift and a stronger EU-NATO partnership in defense.
• 🧑‍💻 The European Commission's defense industrial strategy includes boosting Europe's defense capabilities through joint procurement, akin to the COVID vaccine acquisition strategy.
• 🛡️ The necessity of European defense integration is underscored by global geopolitical shifts towards a multipolar world and the challenges posed by aggressive states.
• 📊 There's a growing debate on balancing investments in defense with the need for public support, amid broader societal challenges like healthcare and the cost of living.
• 🛠 Portugal's snap parliamentary elections reflect a broader European trend of political fragmentation and the rise of far-right movements, with implications for EU policy and unity.
• 🎓 The European Parliament's discussions on defense and security highlight diverse opinions on the EU's strategic autonomy and the balance between military investment and peace efforts.
• 🌎 The impact of Russia's actions in Ukraine on European defense policy, with increased calls for EU solidarity and capability building, is a pivotal concern.
• 👍 The spotlight on Spain's women's football team at the European Parliament emphasizes the importance of gender equality in sports and beyond, highlighting ongoing challenges and achievements.

Q & A

What main topic was discussed in the show regarding the EU's future plans?

The main topic discussed was the EU's plan to change its reliance on defense supplies from outside the bloc to ramping up its own defense industry, including promoting joint procurement of arms.

Why has Sweden's stance on neutrality changed, according to the discussion?

Sweden's stance on neutrality changed due to a deep shift in the global context, moving from a unipolar world to a multipolar one, with an empire looking to expand on the European continent.

What does the EU's defense industrial strategy aim to achieve?

The EU's defense industrial strategy aims to promote joint procurement of arms, similar to the procurement strategy for COVID vaccines, and seeks political and financial backing for developing Europe's defense companies.

What were the outcomes of the recent Portuguese legislative elections?

The elections showed a big surge for the center-right conservatives and a new right-wing party, leading to the Socialists losing power after eight years of rule.

How did the EU react to Sweden's NATO membership and its implications for EU defense?

EU officials welcomed Sweden's NATO membership and began considering ways to develop Europe's defense companies further, recognizing the importance of building a stronger EU defense industry.

What financial measure is proposed in the EU's defense strategy to support Ukraine?

The strategy proposes using windfall profits from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, along with facilitating more cooperation between member states for defense procurement.

What are the challenges associated with joint procurement for defense in the EU?

The challenge lies in getting member states to cooperate on defense, as historically they have procured independently and prioritized national interests over joint action.

How does the current global context influence the EU's discussion on defense?

The multipolar world, with emerging threats and an empire seeking to expand in Europe, underscores the need for a robust defense strategy and enhanced EU defense capabilities.

What impact did the EU elections have on Portugal's political landscape?

The EU elections led to a shift in Portugal's political landscape, with the Socialist Party losing power and the rise of new right-wing and center-right parties.

What is the significance of joint procurement for arms in the EU's defense strategy?

Joint procurement for arms is significant because it aims to consolidate the EU's defense capabilities, reduce reliance on external suppliers, and ensure a unified and strategic approach to defense procurement.