A paradigm shift? Defense policy in Europe after the war in Ukraine

Organised by

• Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies
• EGPP: European Governance and Politics Programme

How has the Russian invasion of Ukraine reshaped European security? This research aims to answer this question by examining the evolution of defence policy paradigms in Europe. European governments are adapting their policies, perspectives, and instruments in response to a shifting security environment. The study specifically investigates the return of "territorial defence", after decades of prioritising crisis management operations. Documents, speeches, and new procurement projects suggest a renewed commitment to conventional territorial defence across Europe. However, this shift may present more challenges than initially expected, and the extent of change may ultimately be more limited. Focusing on the case of Italy, the research assesses the transformation in defence policy paradigms spurred by the war in Ukraine. The concept of "tense layering" is introduced to describe the current trajectory of European defence policies.