The Two Pillars of NATO in Light of Developments in Ukraine

By Constantinos Kyprios*

The concept of the “European pillar of NATO” has forcefully returned to the forefront, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In general terms, the concept reflects the idea of a European defense that complements NATO, with the expectation that European states would had assumed greater responsibility for Europe’s defense within the framework of the Atlantic Alliance during the Cold War.

In the context of the conflict in Ukraine and the political changes in the leaderships of NATO and the EU, the development of the European pillar requires a broader and more definitive approach in order to overcome the lack of trust, the building of consensus with key partners such as Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and operational implementation through better coordination, enhanced EU visibility, and the development of critical capabilities.

The “European pillar of NATO” acknowledges the centrality of the Alliance to Europe’s security, particularly in the face of the Russian threat. At the same time, it differs from the concept of “European strategic autonomy,” as it is more inclusive and maintains ties with the United States and NATO. The disagreement between the French and German approaches to European defense constitutes a central problem: France seeks autonomy and leadership, whereas Germany favors complementarity with NATO.

France possesses the capacity for leadership but has fallen short in the practical implementation of initiatives such as the European Intervention Initiative (EII) and the ELSA project. The integration of national, institutional (NATO, EU), and ad hoc European structures remains crucial for strengthening the European pillar, so that Europe can assume a greater share of its own defense, even amid potential American engagement in the Pacific.

Finally, the success of the European pillar depends on consensus among European partners and cooperation with the United States and the EU. French ambivalence toward NATO and a cautious stance toward the EU create a deficit of trust, limiting its leadership potential. Nevertheless, the increased need for European autonomy resulting from the war in Ukraine provides a unique opportunity for the implementation of a truly European defense strategy that combines national, European, and transatlantic interests.

Constantinos Kyprios

Strategic Analyst