欧洲安全研究所-2020年欧洲安全年鉴（英文）-2020.12-309页_16mb

2020 Yearbook of European Security Summary

Core Content

The 2020 Yearbook of European Security by Daniel Fiott and Vassilis Theodosopoulos provides an in-depth analysis of the European Union's (EU) security and defence landscape in 2019. It covers both external action and European security and defence aspects, including geopolitical challenges, multilateralism, regional neighbourhoods, and the EU's internal cohesion.

Main Views and Key Information

External Action

1. Multilateralism

• The EU faced significant challenges in maintaining multilateralism due to the US-China trade conflict and the erosion of arms control mechanisms.
• The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty was a focal point, with the US withdrawing in August 2019 due to Russia's alleged violations, supported by NATO allies.
• The EU stressed the need for autonomy in international affairs and to support multilateral institutions.

2. Southern Neighbourhood

• The EU continued its engagement in North Africa, Middle East, Gulf Region, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Key areas included counter-terrorism, migration, and conflict management.
• The EU's Integrated Approach was emphasized as a strategy to address these issues.

3. Eastern Neighbourhood and Western Balkans

• The EU focused on Russia, the Eastern Partnership, and the Western Balkans.
• The conflict in Ukraine and security concerns in the region were highlighted.
• The EU also addressed hybrid threats and disinformation campaigns, especially from Russia.

4. Asia-Pacific

• The EU engaged with Central Asia, East Asia, South Asia, South-East Asia, and Oceania.
• The EU's strategic interests in trade, security, and development were explored.

5. Americas

• The EU maintained relations with North America and Latin America and the Caribbean.
• The Venezuela crisis led to a significant number of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
• The EU supported peace and stability in the region through various mechanisms.

European Security and Defence

6. Crisis Management

• The Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) was central to the EU's crisis response.
• The Civilian CSDP Compact and European Peace Facility (EPF) were highlighted as key instruments.
• The EU focused on civil protection, hybrid threats, cybersecurity, and border management.

7. Defence Cooperation

• The EU promoted Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) and the European Defence Fund (EDF).
• The Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD) was used to assess defence capabilities and spending.
• The EU aimed to enhance defence industrial development and military readiness.

8. Security

• The EU addressed cybersecurity, terrorism, disinformation, and border management.
• Hybrid threats were a growing concern, especially from Russia.
• The European Union's strategic communication and critical infrastructure protection were emphasized.

Institutional and Political Changes

• The European Parliament and European Commission were newly elected in 2019.
• Ursula von der Leyen was elected as the President of the Commission.
• Charles Michel became the President of the European Council.
• Josep Borrell Fontelles was designated as the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR/VP).
• The EU aimed to become a more geopolitical actor and to shape a better global order through its climate and digital transitions.

EU Internal Challenges

• Brexit remained a major issue, with the UK requesting multiple extensions to Article 50.
• The UK's future relationship with the EU was a key topic, especially regarding the Ireland-Northern Ireland border.
• The European Council called for a strategic agenda to defend EU interests and values in a changing global environment.

Cybersecurity and Disinformation

• EU member states were increasingly targeted by cyber-attacks and disinformation campaigns.
• The EUvsDisinfo initiative was expanded to counter Russian disinformation.
• The East StratCom Task Force received additional funding to monitor and respond to disinformation.
• The European Parliament noted a doubling of disinformation cases in 2019, particularly during the election year.

Trade and Geopolitical Tensions

• US-China trade tensions affected the EU's multilateral efforts and global trade.
• The EU supported free trade agreements with Japan, Singapore, and Mercosur.
• The EU expressed concerns over 5G technologies and the role of Huawei in European infrastructure.

Conclusion

The yearbook underscores the EU's commitment to multilateralism, security and defence resilience, and strategic autonomy in a complex geopolitical environment. It highlights the need for a united and strong EU to address both internal and external challenges, including Brexit, cybersecurity, disinformation, and geopolitical tensions with the US and Russia. The EU's role in shaping global order through diplomacy, trade, and defence cooperation is a recurring theme.