EU Proposes New European Security Council

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Wednesday, during her State of the Union address to the European Parliament, plans to establish a European Security Council.

The European Commission president backed the creation of a European Security Council, proposing that it include leaders from the European Union, the United Kingdom, Norway, Ukraine and Canada.

She said Europe needs its own framework to counter hybrid attacks. The proposed security council would include Ukraine, the UK, Norway, Canada and other partners.

The European Commission president also proposed a new mechanism to coordinate responses to hybrid attacks.

These hybrid incidents include acts such as sabotage, arson and drone incursions, which are often attributed to Russia. While these actions do not amount to conventional military attacks, they nevertheless pose a threat to European security.

According to the report, the proposals indicate that European officials are seeking to take greater responsibility for the continent’s security. One reason is the uncertainty surrounding US President Donald Trump’s commitment to supporting Europe under the NATO military alliance.

However, as details of the proposals have not yet been made public, some analysts have warned that the measures could duplicate existing NATO structures, potentially creating confusion and remaining limited to forums for discussion.