A Strategic Compass for Security and Defence

Source: European Union Date: 21 March 2022

The document “A Strategic Compass for Security and Defence” outlines the European Union’s plan to strengthen its security and defense policy over the next 5-10 years, aiming to make Europe a more assertive and decisive security provider. The Compass was adopted in a context of increasing geopolitical shifts and the return of war in Europe, particularly Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which has highlighted the urgency for the EU to take greater responsibility for its own security.

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The Four Pillars of the Strategic Compass

1. Act: The EU aims to act more quickly and decisively when facing crises. This includes:

   • Developing an EU Rapid Deployment Capacity of up to 5,000 troops by 2025.
   • Reinforcing civilian and military Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions.
   • Strengthening command and control structures.

2. Secure: The EU plans to enhance its ability to anticipate threats, guarantee secure access to strategic domains, and protect its citizens. Key actions involve:

   • Boosting intelligence capacities.
   • Creating an EU Hybrid Toolbox to counter hybrid threats and foreign information manipulation.
   • Further developing the EU Cyber Defence Policy.
   • Securing access to maritime, air, and space domains.

3. Invest: The EU commits to investing more and better in capabilities and innovative technologies, filling strategic gaps, and reducing technological and industrial dependencies. This includes:

   • Increasing defense expenditures.
   • Developing next-generation capabilities in land, maritime, air, space, and cyber domains.
   • Establishing a Defence Innovation Hub within the European Defence Agency.

4. Partner: The EU intends to strengthen cooperation with partners to address common threats and challenges. This involves:

   • Reinforcing strategic partnerships with NATO and the UN.
   • Boosting cooperation with bilateral partners like the United States, Norway, Canada, the UK, and Japan.
   • Developing tailored partnerships in regions such as the Western Balkans, Africa, and the Indo-Pacific.

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The document emphasizes the need for a common strategic culture, unity, and solidarity among Member States, and highlights that a stronger EU in security and defense will complement NATO and contribute positively to global and transatlantic security. The implementation of the Strategic Compass will be regularly reviewed, with an annual report on progress and a possible revision based on a revised threat analysis in 2025.