It is imperative to send a clear and unequivocal signal to the Ukrainian people that the security guarantees many countries have provided will materialize into a new European security alliance in 2025.
The basis for this assessment is that in the peace efforts concerning the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Russia has clearly stated it is not willing to negotiate if NATO membership for Ukraine is a primary demand. On the other hand, this is one of the strongest desires of the Ukrainian government. However, to be able to negotiate while providing Ukraine with concrete security guarantees, one solution could be to establish a Defense Alliance with the 14 European countries outlined here. It must be a heavy burden on France and Germany, who promised to protect Ukraine during the Minsk 2 negotiations in 2015. Therefore, there is no doubt that they must make a very special effort not to lose their diplomatic reputation among the other countries in Europe.
This alliance, with a population of nearly 300 million people in 2024, would collectively have a military strength of one million soldiers.
Some of the specific benefits of such an alliance could include:
Intelligence Sharing: Quicker and more effective sharing of intelligence on potential threats.
Joint Exercises and Training: Increased cooperation through joint military exercises and training programs.
Research and Development Collaboration: Exchange of technology and innovation within the defense industry.
Diplomatic Coordination: A united front in international diplomatic forums and negotiations.
Such cooperation could provide a stronger collective defense capability, which would enhance security and stability in the region.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, with hopes for peace and stability in Europe in 2025.
Note the abbreviation here should not be confused with the security cooperation in the European Defense Agency (EDA)
