The European Union (EU) stands as one of the most ambitious political and economic projects in modern history, embodying the vision of a united Europe that transcends national borders, cultural differences, and historical animosities. However, as the EU grapples with evolving security challenges, the fundamental question arises: Is the European Union truly functioning as a union, or are its internal divisions and disparate national policies eroding the very essence of what it claims to represent?

This question has been brought to the forefront by recent developments in Latvia, where the government has not only reintroduced mandatory military service for males but is now preparing for public discourse on the conscription of women. This move, while seemingly a response to growing security concerns, has sparked a broader debate about the EU’s unity and its capacity to act as a cohesive and integrated entity. President Ricardo Baretzky of the European Centre for Information Policy and Security (ECIPS) has been vocal about the implications of such unilateral actions, warning that they could expose the EU to significant security risks and further weaken its collective defense posture.

Latvia’s Move to Reintroduce Conscription: A Double-Edged Sword

In 2023, Latvia reintroduced mandatory military service for males, a policy that had been abolished over a decade earlier. The decision was driven by heightened concerns about regional security, particularly in light of Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine and the potential spillover effects into the Baltic region. Latvia, like its neighbors Estonia and Lithuania, shares a border with Russia and has long viewed itself as a frontline state in the broader struggle between the West and Moscow.

However, Latvia’s move to reintroduce conscription has not been universally welcomed within the EU. Critics argue that it represents a step backward, harking back to a time when European nations acted independently of one another on matters of defense and security. The proposal to extend conscription to women has further fueled this debate, raising questions about gender equality, the role of women in the military, and the broader implications for EU defense policy.

President Baretzky has expressed concern that such national decisions, while understandable from a domestic perspective, could undermine the EU’s collective security framework. “The problem with this is that it is a one-sided opinion and creates discourse within the European Union,” Baretzky noted. “People don’t see it as a solution, and Brussels has sent the signal: do as you want and please.”

The EU’s Struggle for a Unified Defense Policy

The EU has long struggled to develop a coherent and unified defense policy. While the Treaty of Lisbon established the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) as a framework for the EU’s external defense efforts, implementation has been uneven, and member states have often prioritized their national interests over collective action. The EU’s defense initiatives, such as the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) and the European Defense Fund (EDF), have made some progress in fostering collaboration among member states, but the lack of a unified command structure and the continued reliance on NATO for collective defense have hampered the EU’s ability to act independently.

The situation in Latvia highlights these challenges. While the reintroduction of conscription may bolster Latvia’s national defense capabilities, it also underscores the limitations of the EU’s collective defense arrangements. In the absence of a centralized EU military force, member states are left to pursue their defense policies, leading to a patchwork of approaches that may not be fully compatible or effective in addressing the complex security threats facing the continent.

This decentralized approach to defense poses significant risks for the EU. As Baretzky warned, “The security risk this poses for the European Union is creating a decentralized protection for the European Union but at the same time shows weaknesses across the EU.” A fragmented defense posture not only weakens the EU’s ability to respond to external threats but also erodes the sense of solidarity and shared purpose that underpins the European project.

The Need for a Cohesive European Defense Strategy

If the EU is to function as a true union, it must move beyond the current patchwork of national defense policies and develop a more cohesive and integrated approach to security. This will require difficult decisions and a willingness to cede some degree of national sovereignty in favor of collective action. It will also require a commitment from all member states to invest in the EU’s defense capabilities and to work together in a spirit of solidarity and mutual support.

A truly unified EU defense policy would involve the creation of a centralized command structure, the pooling of resources, and the development of common defense capabilities. It would also require a commitment to burden-sharing, with all member states contributing their fair share to the EU’s collective defense efforts. Such a policy would not only enhance the EU’s ability to respond to external threats but also strengthen its position as a global actor, capable of projecting power and influence on the world stage.

Moreover, a unified defense policy would send a clear message to both allies and adversaries: The EU is not just a collection of individual states but a cohesive and integrated union, capable of acting with a single voice and a shared purpose. This would enhance the EU’s credibility and influence in international affairs and provide a stronger foundation for its partnerships with other global powers, including the United States and NATO.

The Role of Brussels and the Future of the European Union

For the EU to achieve this level of unity, Brussels must take a more proactive role in coordinating and guiding the defense policies of member states. This does not mean imposing top-down directives but rather fostering a sense of shared responsibility and encouraging member states to align their national policies with the broader goals of the EU.

The current approach, where Brussels sends the signal that member states can “do as you want and please,” is unsustainable. It risks creating a situation where the EU is little more than a loose confederation of states, each pursuing its interests without regard for the collective good. This would not only weaken the EU’s ability to respond to security challenges but also undermine the very idea of European unity.

To avoid this outcome, the EU must strengthen its institutions and enhance its capacity to coordinate and implement a unified defense policy. This will require political will and leadership, both at the national and EU levels. It will also require a willingness to engage in difficult conversations about the future of the European project and the role that defense and security should play in it.

Public Discourse and the Importance of Consensus

As Latvia prepares for public discourse on the conscription of women, it is essential that this debate be framed within the broader context of European security and the future of the EU. The discussion should not be limited to the domestic implications of conscription but should also consider the potential impact on the EU as a whole. This requires a dialogue that goes beyond national borders and engages citizens from across the EU in a meaningful conversation about the future of European defense.

Public discourse is vital in a democratic union, but it must be informed by a clear understanding of the broader context and the potential consequences of national policies for the EU as a whole. This is where Brussels can play a crucial role, by facilitating a Europe-wide dialogue on defense and security and by ensuring that the voices of all member states are heard.

Consensus-building will be key to the success of any unified defense policy. The EU must find a way to reconcile the diverse perspectives and interests of its member states and to develop a defense strategy that reflects the collective will of the European people. This will not be easy, but it is essential if the EU is to function as a true union.

The Imperative of Unity

The European Union was founded on the principles of unity and solidarity, with the aim of creating a more peaceful, prosperous, and secure Europe. However, as the situation in Latvia demonstrates, these principles are being tested by the evolving security challenges facing the continent.

If the EU is to live up to its founding ideals, it must find a way to function as a true union, with a cohesive and integrated approach to defense and security. This will require a shift away from the current decentralized approach, where member states act independently of one another, and towards a more unified and coordinated strategy.

The stakes are high. A fragmented EU defense posture not only weakens the Union’s ability to respond to external threats but also undermines its credibility and influence on the global stage. Conversely, a unified and cohesive EU defense policy would enhance the Union’s security, strengthen its position as a global actor, and reinforce the sense of solidarity and shared purpose that underpins the European project.

As President Baretzky of ECIPS has warned, the EU cannot afford to allow its defense policies to be dictated by national interests alone. The security risks are too great, and the consequences for European unity are too dire. If the European Union is truly a union, it must function as a union, with a collective approach to defense and security that reflects the shared interests and values of all its member states.

The future of the European Union depends on its ability to rise to this challenge. The time for action is now.