A fresh perspective on EU defence capabilities from the Niinistö report

CESI welcomes the ‘Safer Together: Strengthening Europe’s Civilian and Military Preparedness and Readiness’ report by Sauli Niinistö, former President of Finland, published in the wake of the US elections and the EU Commissioners’ hearings. The report aims to bolster the EU’s capacity to respond to crises.

As the report identifies, preparedness is essential for ensuring security, which underpins all aspects of society, from values and rights to economic prosperity and competitiveness.

Security, a public good, is vital for protecting democratic systems and the rule of law. However, open societies, which enable individual freedoms, can be exploited by malicious actors through hybrid operations, political divisions, and economic dependencies.

To be prepared for such threats, a shift in mindset and comprehensive trust among public authorities, EU institutions, Member States, the private sector, and civil society is necessary.

Preparedness involves fostering trust among citizens, emphasising that their community is worth defending. It also requires leaders to communicate potential threats clearly and enhance public awareness without causing alarm.

Cooperation between public and private sectors through systematic information sharing is crucial for addressing evolving threats such as cyberattacks and infrastructure sabotage.

Klaus Heeger, Secretary-General of CESI, said: “I appreciate that the Niinistö report emphasises the importance of collaborating with trade unions to boost resilience and preparedness across society. It shows what an important role we play to provide people with the necessary skills and information for their readiness to face complex security and crisis situations. Through our biannual European Defence Round Table (EDRT), we encourage military and civilian personnel of armed forces and other civil society representatives to participate in the shaping of the EU’s security and defence policies. Without ownership and support from the workforce and citizens, the establishment of a genuine European Defence Union will fail.”

Thomas Sohst, Chairman of CESI´s Expert Commission ‘Defence’, supports the report’s recommendation to increase the role of citizen in security matters: “If the EU wants to become a more credible and able defence actor, it needs to improve its military readiness. In this context, military careers must become more attractive through training and good working conditions. But it is also about civilian readiness, and for that, engagement in civil society and trade unions remains key.”