Titolo completo

The Brain and the Bones of European Defence: Multi-Domain Command and Civilian Preparedness as Foundations of Self-Reliance

Under shifting global power dynamics, Europe – both at an EU and at a continental level – faces a dual challenge: Russia’s protracted confrontation with Europe and growing questions over the reliability of US security guarantees. These pressures expose Europe’s vulnerability and demand accelerated defence self-reliance. While recent initiatives have aimed at boosting budgets, industrial modernisation and procurement, deterrence requires more than resources. The critical gap lies in the capacity to coherently transform investments into deployable capabilities and engage society across the continent. Two priorities are highlighted: 1) establishing a permanent European multi-domain command-and-control structure to integrate land, maritime, air, space and cyber components into coherent operational planning, coordinated with political and interagency governance; and 2) strengthening civilian preparedness, ensuring that governments, private actors and societies can respond effectively to crises and hybrid attacks. Together with the full development of military capabilities, these measures provide the foundation of Europe’s strategic autonomy and the most immediate steps toward credible deterrence and resilience in a volatile international environment.