In a shifting geopolitical landscape, Greens are grappling with the interplay between their traditional pacifist roots and the post-February 2022 security challenges. This report delves into their evolving stances on key defence issues, from EU military cooperation to disarmament, offering insights into the varied approaches adopted by Green parties from eight EU countries. Expert viewpoints featured throughout provide further feedback and inputs as to what a Green defence policy could (or should) look like. As Europe navigates turbulent waters, the report calls for renewed commitment to progressive and principled approaches to security and defence.
The report is structured into five chapters that address important EU military challenges. They portray a nuanced understanding of European security dynamics among Green parties, reflecting varying national contexts, strategic cultures, and historical perspectives. This report thus provides a clear mapping of green defence thinking across Europe, including points of convergence, gaps, and tensions. Complemented by the expert views, it gives a solid basis for further discussion within and beyond the Greens, to strengthen defence and security policy while maintaining a critical and progressive voice, even in uncertain times.
Chapter 1 delves into the complex institutional landscape of security and defence in Europe. It examines the debates surrounding the identity of the EU and looks at the respective roles of the EU and NATO as security providers.
Chapter 2 focuses on military expenditures and budget allocation. It discusses differing perspectives among Green parties on the use of GDP to set defence government budgets and on how these should be allocated.
Chapter 3 explores Green parties’ opinions on defence industrial policies broadly understood. It examines Green positions on grant programs put in place by the EU and shows diverging opinions on the allocation of public funds to industry.
Chapter 4 analyses positions on nuclear deterrence, disarmament, and arms control. Green parties generally continue to oppose the doctrine of nuclear deterrence, but the war in Ukraine has led some to revise their position on its effectiveness.
Chapter 5 delves into the intertwined concepts of civic militarism, civil protection and non-violence; their implications for military involvement in security as well as civilian participation to defence.
This report is a call to action for Green parties to embrace their role as catalysts for progressive security policies. By navigating the complexities of modern security with creativity, Greens can contribute to shaping a peace-oriented, sustainable, and common European security architecture.
About the authors
Agatha Verdebout is a researcher and deputy director at GRIP. Her main area of expertise is international peace and security law.
Anne Xuan Nguyen is a researcher at GRIP. Working more broadly on security and environmental issues, she specializes in conflict-related pollution and its remediation.
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This study was conducted by the Green European Foundation with the support of Etopia , Cogito , Cooperation and Development Network Eastern Europe, and Sustainable Development Forum Green Window . The study was commissioned by GEF to the Groupe de recherche et d’information sur la paix et la sécurité (GRIP). It is published with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The views expressed in this publication are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Parliament or the Green European Foundation.
