The European Union proposed creating a security structure with like-minded allies to confront growing threats amid doubts about President Donald Trump’s commitment toward the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen floated a so-called European Security Council during her state of the union address in Strasbourg, France, Wednesday.
“Europe needs its own counter-hybrid playbook. We urgently need a consensus on how to respond to certain incidents,” Von der Leyen said. “The urgency is clear. And the principle is simple: Europe’s security is indivisible.”
The plan would create an emergency security protocol that, when triggered by member states, would activate all countries to convene and coordinate a European response. It would also create a format focused on security with partners like Ukraine, the UK, Norway and Canada.
The initiative comes as Europe grapples with a shifting geopolitical climate over the past few years as the US has threatened to pull back from NATO and China has become an increasingly important global player.
France and other member states have supported pan-European initiatives to regain control on security matters, in...