Autor: Tihomir Majić & AI (ChatGPT, Grok)
1. Introduction and strategic context #
The European Union operates in a geopolitical environment marked by growing tensions, technological competition and the redefinition of priorities by global partners, including the new US National Security Strategy (November 2025). The EU is therefore strengthening its own strategic autonomy and resilience, while maintaining cooperation with partners.
2. Goals of strategic autonomy #
a. Ensure security and stability on the territory of the Union
b. Strengthen defence autonomy and interoperability
c. Ensure technological, industrial, energy and cyber resilience
d. Promote a coherent common foreign and security policy
e. Support the international legal order and multilateralism
3. EU defence capabilities #
The EU is developing the capacity to act independently and in partnership through:
- increasing defence investment and harmonised defence standards,
- establishing an EU rapid reaction force,
- strengthening the European defence industrial base,
- joint strategic stocks (ammunition, fuel, critical components),
- enhanced command and staff capabilities including a Coordination Body with staff functions.
4. Transatlantic framework #
The EU remains committed to the partnership with the US, but is redefining it on the principles of reciprocity, autonomy and democratic integrity. Priorities:
- strengthening political dialogue and crisis protocols,
- full participation in NATO while reducing dependence on American capacities,
- protection of European democratic processes from foreign influences,
- coordination with American partners while preserving European independence.
5. Technological and industrial autonomy #
Priorities include:
- investments in critical technologies (AI, semiconductors, cyber, biotechnology),
- ensuring the resilience of supply chains,
- protection of strategic industries,
- harmonized export controls and European innovation platforms.
6. Energy, information and cyber security #
The EU strengthens resilience through:
- diversification of energy sources and protection of infrastructure,
- European Cyber Defense Centers and Rapid Response Teams,
- the fight against misinformation and malignant influences,
- protection of communication and satellite systems.
7. EU foreign policy engagement #
The EU promotes stability and international law through:
- a stronger presence in the eastern and southern neighborhoods,
- individual approach towards the Western Balkan countries,
- partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, Africa and Latin America,
- cooperation with the UN, OSCE, IAEA and WTO.
8. Mechanism of implementation #
- Short term: coordination bodies, crisis protocols, joint procurement
- Medium term: EU operational forces, industrial autonomy, cyber systems
- Long term: integrated safety instruments, the ability to act autonomously