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First proposed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen this September, the European Security Council is supposed to bring EU leaders and key allies together, including the UK, Norway, Ukraine and Canada. The goal is to coordinate faster on security threats that affect the continent.
Europe is facing a growing number of issues that fall below the level of conventional military attacks, like cyberattacks, sabotage, drone incursions and interference with critical infrastructure. Just last week, drones attacked two commercial vessels in Bulgaria's Black Sea economic zone, resulting in one ship sinking and a missing crew.
In practice, the ESC would give European leaders a regular forum to discuss emerging threats, agree on a common response, and coordinate action between EU countries and their partners. It would also work alongside an Emergency Security Protocol, designed to bring member states together quickly when one of them faces a serious hybrid threat. The wider plan also includes closer coordination on areas such as cyber security, air defence, space systems and other shared security capabilities.
Some officials and countries warn that the proposal could duplicate structures already in place within NATO. But the Commission says the new system is supposed to complement the alliance, and that NATO would remain responsible for collective military defence.
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