Studies and Opinion: "Easternization" of Europe's Security Policy

More about the book

The purpose of this monograph, prepared in co-operation Center for Defense Information, is to examine the future impact of the May 1, 2004 enlargement on the direction of the EU security and defense policy and the Union’s very ability to find a common vision. Authors from the four Central European states forming the Visegrad Four group (Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic) have been asked to examine their countries’ positions on the key issues defining the EU security debate. What is the emerging EU consensus on today’s main security threats, and the preferred strategy for meeting those threats? Are there differences between current and future members, and if so, are they durable? Is there a trend toward greater divergence of opinions? And what impact will the new members’ strong political and military links to Washington have on the Union’s defense relationship with the United States? Authors offer answers to these and other related questions. Together they provide a glimpse into the current security philosophies of the countries involved, as well as a reflection on their sources and durability. These pages are offered in order to inform the current debate and decision-making on European security affairs – and in the hope of forging a constructive and cooperative dialogue within the European Union, and between the EU and its allies.