The operational and command support offered by NATO for the implementation of Resolution 1973 points to the Alliance’s successful transition to its new Strategic Concept, agreed in Lisbon in 2010 with the aim of boosting NATO’s ability to conduct crisis management tasks beyond members’ shores. In contrast, the EU’s divisions over the implementation of a “no-fly zone” to protect civilians from Qaddafi points to the Union’s weakness in meeting its own commitment to crisis response, as reaffirmed under the Lisbon treaty in 2009. Ultimately, it was left to Franco-British leadership to steer military efforts and not the Union. But where does this leave the EU and its nascent defence policy? Has the EU scuppered its chances of being a military actor for good, or does the Union’s inaction make the case for European defence more compelling?

A Citizen's Controversy with

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jean-Paul Perruche
Director of Studies at the l’Institut de Recherche Stratégique de l'Ecole Militaire (IRSEM) in Paris and former Director General of the European Union Military Staff.

Vice-Admiral Squadron Leader Xavier Païtard
French Permanent Military Representative to the European Union and NATO.

Moderated by:
Daniel Fiott
Research Fellow, Madariaga – College of Europe Foundation

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