Notizie.it editorial team Topics Covered
The historical context of European defence
The issue of a common European defense is a topic that dates back over seventy years, precisely to 1952, when the Treaty establishing the European Defense Community was signed. This agreement, unfortunately, never saw the light of day, and discussions between member states continued without a concrete outcome.
In the 1970s, there were attempts to revive the idea, but without the courage needed to achieve meaningful integration.
Current geopolitical challenges
Today, the geopolitical landscape has changed radically. The war in Ukraine, tensions with Russia and the challenges posed by emerging powers such as China require a united response from the European Union. President Sergio Mattarella, during the Cotec summit in Coimbra, highlighted how inertia and hesitations in moving towards a common defense have had serious consequences. “We are late, chasing events,” he said, underlining the urgency of collective action.
The need for a leap in quality
The lack of a common defence strategy has made Europe vulnerable. If we had made that political quantum leap in the integration process, we could be in a much stronger position today. European defence is not only a matter of military security, but also of economic and political stability. A Europe united in defence could not only protect its citizens, but also play an active role in maintaining global peace.
Towards a future of cooperation
To face the challenges of the future, it is essential that Member States overcome their reticence and work together to build a common defence. This requires serious political commitment and a shared vision. Only in this way will the European Union be able to face external threats and guarantee the security of its citizens. Mattarella's appeal is clear: it is time to act, to no longer remain inert in the face of a rapidly changing world.