EU Defense Alliance Needs NATO-Like Guarantees, Greek Think Tank Head Says Ahead of Ankara Summit

Elena Lazarou, head of ELIAMEP, Greece's leading think tank, believes that European acceptance of the EU as a defense alliance is growing due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the war in Iran. She noted that Europeans are increasingly open to the idea of the EU taking on a greater defense role.

However, Lazarou emphasized that a comprehensive EU defense alliance is impossible without a firm commitment from member states to mutual defense, mirroring the obligations within NATO. This guarantee is crucial for the alliance's credibility and effectiveness.

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Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the war in Iran have made Europeans more accepting of the idea that the EU should also be a defense alliance.

Her remarks come ahead of a significant summit in Ankara, where discussions on European security and the EU's role are expected to be prominent. The context of ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East highlights the urgency of these strategic considerations for the continent.

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A full EU defense alliance cannot exist without a guarantee that member states are obligated to defend each other, similar to NATO.