The European Union as a Security Community: Trends and Prospect

Amid war-torn neighborhood, more antagonistic global milieu and internal security challenges, the EU is aiming to better protect its member states and citizens. In this regard, it has prioritised defence cooperation in the implementation of its global foreign policy and security strategy. The EU has also aimed to secure its external borders and deepen internal security collaboration among member states. Yet national variation over security challenges and priorities prevails, and might continue to hinder the EU’s aspiration to emerge as a more powerful security actor. What are the key developments in the EU’s security agenda? How do Germany and France view the EU’s role in providing security? What lies behind Finland’s emphasis on the EU as a security community?