The policy brief “Getting Serious about Defense Integration: the European Defence Community Precedent”, co-authored by one of the Rome Manifesto’s principal authors Federico Fabbrini, explores the revitalization of the European Defence Community (EDC) as a roadmap for contemporary European defense integration. Amid escalating security threats, including Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and instability in the Middle East, the brief argues that Europe’s reliance on the United States is increasingly untenable.
The EDC, conceptualized in 1952 but never ratified in full, envisioned a common European army governed by supranational institutions and funded through a shared budget while maintaining ties to NATO. This paper elucidates the legal feasibility of reviving the EDC, highlighting its potential to create a cohesive and effective defense framework that addresses current geopolitical challenges.
Additionally, the proposal for reviving the EDC aligns with the broader vision of establishing a Federal European State, emphasizing the need for integrated governance structures that transcend national borders. By adopting a federal approach, European nations can achieve greater collective action and accountability in their defense strategies, promoting a unified stance in international relations. Ultimately, the paper calls for a serious reevaluation of defense strategies to enhance autonomy and resilience in the face of global power rivalries.
The full Policy Brief, published by ALCIDE (Activating the Law Creatively to Integrate Defense in Europe), a project hosted by the DCU
Dublin European Law Institute (DELI) can be accessed through the following link