General Robert Brieger, the Chair of the EU Military Committee, has called on the European Union to revise its defence strategy. At a meeting of military leaders in Brussels, Brieger urged a stronger definition of Article 42.7 of the EU Treaty to reinforce collective defence. He emphasized that Europe must boost its defence capabilities as the United States shifts its focus toward the Indo-Pacific region.
EU Should Redefine Article 42.7 and Distinguish It from NATO
Brieger pointed out that Article 42.7—which includes a mutual defence clause—has only been activated once, after the Paris terror attacks in 2015. In contrast, NATO’s Article 5 is seen as much stronger and more binding.
“We need a clear explanation of what Article 42.7 means and how it differs from NATO,” Brieger said. He stressed that 23 EU countries are also NATO members, which complicates independent EU defence actions.
According to Brieger, Europe must go beyond crisis management abroad and take its territorial security more seriously. “We can’t rely only on reacting to distant conflicts. Our own continent needs protection,” he added.
Brussels Plans Major Defence and Infrastructure Investments
Another key focus of the meeting was improving military infrastructure within the EU. Brieger called for faster troop mobility across borders and stronger protection of critical infrastructure.
The European Commission already outlined these goals in its March White Paper on European Defence, highlighting mobility, missile defence, drone technology, cyber protection, and AI-powered systems as top priorities.
To reduce costs and improve coordination, the Commission also proposed joint military procurement among EU countries.
EU leaders could approve shared defence projects during their June summit. The bloc is expected to invest up to €800 billion in defence over the next four years.
To help fund this, the Commission plans to offer up to €150 billion in market-based loans. These funds will go to states purchasing European defence systems aligned with shared strategic objectives. Negotiations for the loan instrument are expected to conclude by the end of May, with the first disbursements planned before the end of the year.
“A Secure Europe Needs More Than Words”
Brieger warned that Europe faces increasingly complex and interconnected security threats. “These challenges are linked—and they’re growing in impact,” he said.
He called on EU governments to move beyond declarations and take concrete steps. “A secure Europe needs resources, resolve, and readiness,” Brieger stated.
He also emphasized that the EU should not compete with NATO, but rather complement it. “NATO cooperation remains essential, but Europe must take more responsibility for its own defence,” he said.
Brieger is set to step down from his position in two weeks. His message comes at a critical moment: Following the NATO summit in The Hague, EU leaders will gather in Brussels to set new defence spending goals and shape the future of European security.
Europe Balancing Atlantic Alliance and Greater Autonomy
The EU is now trying to strengthen its role as a global security actor—without undermining its partnership with the United States.
While NATO remains vital, there is growing momentum within the EU to act more independently in military matters—especially amid rising global tensions and threats from cyberattacks and hybrid warfare.
Whether the EU can unite behind a common defence strategy will depend heavily on developments in the coming weeks. The upcoming meetings in The Hague and Brussels will likely be decisive for the future of European security policy.
General Brieger’s message is clear: Europe must stop relying on outdated structures and take control of its own defence. A stronger, more united defence policy—politically, militarily, and financially—is essential. The EU summit in June will show whether member states are ready to move forward.