European misconceptions over the relationship between the USA and NATO are commonplace: there is an unfortunate tendency to confuse US defence structures with NATO. There are many reasons why Europeans in general, and the French in particular, fail to understand the true nature of the relationship.
Complexity in international relations has been growing with the increase in the number of states present since the UN’s inception, each having different views and interests, which sometimes led to conflictual interactions and growing tensions in their international relations. Recently, the involvement of new international actors other than nation-states that emerged with relevant roles in the international arena introduced additional uncertainty and brought even more complexity to the international system. The involvement of an array of new non-state actors in conflict, the empowerment of individuals, and the diffusion of power among states and from states to informal networks have already had a tectonic global impact on the international security system that forced a debate about the new character of conflict and war.
The CRA is a pivotal EU legislation aimed at setting comprehensive cybersecurity standards for products with digital elements and the processes involved in their production. It outlines specific compliance obligations for organizations and conformity assessments manufacturers must undertake to ensure their products meet essential requirements, with different levels of scrutiny based on the product’s significance and potential impact.
“…We currently live in a changing world where the control of large maritime spaces has become a priority for States, especially when there is a concern for sovereignty over these spaces and we intend to monitor everything that can contribute to our sustainable development. In Portugal. The “new” SMART Cables technology will be a relevant contribution to this goal. In this opinion article we intend to raise some key questions and contribute to a debate that we believe to be useful and very necessary for the development and security in Portugal and in the world…”.
COL Luís Bernardino
Strengthening European defence and the European pillar of the Alliance at the same time has become a matter of urgency. Whatever the outcome of the American elections and whatever the final outcome of the war in Ukraine and the temporary conditions of a ceasefire, the European Union must invest more and better in creating own deterrence and credibility vis-à-vis Putin. It is suggested that the European allies engage in a dialogue with the United States after the recent NATO Summit in Washington to gain their full support for this urgent and much-needed endeavour?
The following reports have been provided to the EURODEFENSE Council of Presidents, which has taken place on 22 May in Ostend in Belgium, completing those already published on China and Africa early 2024.
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In this edition we will pay special attention to our young members, we are happy to offer you an editorial by the President of EuroDefense Jovem-Portugal
prepared for adoption and distribution by the President of the network to the EU Authorities and by each ED Chapter to their respective authorities.
Endorsed by the Council of Presidents on 22 May in Ostende
[1] Chaired by EuroDéfense Deutschland – España – France
We live in a world in which we are constantly bombarded with information of all kinds, often contradictory. Our brains are so overloaded that it is increasingly difficult for us to sort out the wheat from the chaff, separate truth from lies and generally discern what is best for us, our communities, our alliances, our country, our Europe.
The invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022 marked a major turning point in post-Cold War international relations. It has cast doubt on the rule of law, revived power dynamics, and questioned the global dominance of the United States and Western democracies, along with their values. 2024 will be a critical year for Ukraine, NATO, and the future of European defence.