NATO-EU Cooperation: A safer EU in a better World

Abstract

In a world where we strive for a safer Europe in a better world, the cooperation between the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is of great importance. However, three overarching obstacles have been identified from existing academic literature that hinder effective cooperation between these two major powers. First, internal power struggles and conflicts play a key role, leading to a crisis of trust and delayed cooperation. Second, there is a distinctly European perspective (Europeanism) held by some EU member states, which, instead of fostering a unified transatlantic approach to collective security, results in confusion over roles and inefficient information exchange. Finally, a discrepancy in threat perceptions within the EU exists, with the passive stance of southern member states leading to unequal contributions to collective security, further contributing to the fragmentation of NATO-EU cooperation. By addressing some internal conflicts and improving NATO's image, the three proposed recommendations can be implemented to overcome these obstacles and strengthen NATO-EU cooperation. These recommendations include: establishing a NATO-EU commission, focusing more on the southern flank of the EU, and strengthening the EU-US relationship.