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International Area Studies Review
[ Article ]
International Area Studies Review - Vol. 29, No. 3, pp.245-260
ISSN: 2233-8659 (Print)
Print publication date 30 Sep 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.69473/iasr.2026.29.3.245

European Union’s Strategic Posture in a Competitive World: Rethinking the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) in the Age of Global Rivalry

Sandro Knezovic* ; Lea Fabic
PhD, Research Adviser, Institute for Development and International Relations, Zagreb, Croatia
Research Assistant, Institute for Development and International Relations, Zagreb, Croatia

Correspondence to: *Email: sandro.knezovic@irmo.hr

Abstract

As global strategic competition intensifies—driven by Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, China’s growing influence, weakening confidence in US commitment, and transnational threats—Europe faces pressure to enhance its security and defence capabilities. This paper critically examines the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), assessing its ability to support Europe’s ambition for strategic autonomy. Using a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative policy analysis and quantitative data analysis, the study evaluates the EU’s defence mechanisms, institutional frameworks, and alignment with global security realities. While the CSDP has fostered cooperation, its capacity to safeguard European security remains limited by political fragmentation, resource gaps, and insufficient military capabilities. Analysing key elements like PESCO, EDIRPA, the European Peace Facility, the Macro-financial Assistance Instrument, the European Defence Fund, and the Act in Support of Ammunition Production, the paper highlights both strengths and significant shortcomings in achieving a coherent and autonomous defence posture. It proposes a framework to understand EU security challenges and offers policy recommendations for institutional reform, enhanced coordination, and a clearer strategic vision. This study contributes to the discourse on Europe’s defence autonomy amid rising geopolitical competition.

Keywords:

European Union, Strategy, Defence and security, Geopolitics, Competition

AI Acknowledgment

Generative AI or AI-assisted technologies were not used in any way to prepare, write, or complete essential authoring tasks in this manuscript.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest in this research.

Funding

The authors declare that financial support was received for the research and/or publication of this article.

Acknowledgement

This research was implemented at the Institute for Development and International Relations, Zagreb, Croatia, within the scope of the project ,,International Relations—Determinants of Resilient Sustainable Development (MO4R)”, funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan 2021-2026-NextGenerationEU.

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