Working together for a safer world

Abstract

Significant developments have been taking place in the field of European security and defence, particularly since the 2016 adoption of the Global Strategy, with a view to improving the EU’s capacity to defend and promote its values. These developments have taken place against the backdrop of an increasingly challenging international environment. The EU has addressed these challenges through the enhancement of existing instruments and the development of new ones, from the European Defence Fund through to the Civilian Compact. NATO’s role in collective defence is enshrined in the Treaties and the Union will continue to work in partnership and champion the multilateral framework, while strengthening its own strategic autonomy.