Strengthening European Defence in times of turmoil – What can France and Germany contribute?
At the Franco-German defence and security council, chaired by French President Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in May 2024, critical steps were taken to reinforce European security in response to Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine. Tobias Lindner, Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office, underscored this momentum at the Spotlight event on 17 September at Sciences Po in Paris.
During an engaging discussion with students, organised by the Jacques Delors Centre and Sciences Po, Lindner emphasised the vital role of Franco-German cooperation in strengthening European defence. He emphasised that leadership from France and Germany in defence initiatives, paired with an “open house policy” allowing other nations to join, is key for fostering deeper military integration and ensuring Europe is united in addressing evolving security threats.
In his keynote, Lindner stressed three strategic priorities to secure Europe’s future in the face of persistent challenges:
1. Ongoing Support for Ukraine
First, Lindner emphasised that continued support for Ukraine is vital, as it defends both its territory and security, as well as liberal values that underpin European peace and stability.
2. Enhanced European Military Cooperation and Deterrence
Second, Lindner called for increased investment in European military cooperation, as well as in the credibility of its deterrence by strengthening European contributions to NATO and closing critical capability gaps, while boosting industrial production.
3. Expanding Europe’s Global Security Role
Third, Lindner urges Europe to extend its security focus beyond its borders, increasing international cooperation to meet the rising demand for the EU to act as a key security player.
The Spotlight event, which is part of the Pariser Platz Dialogue series, featured an introduction by Johannes Lindner, Co-Director of the Jacques Delors Centre, and Anne-Célia Feutrie, Executive Director of the School of Public Affairs. Arancha González, Dean of the Paris School of International Affairs, moderated the discussion.
You can watch the recording of the event here: