Read on Twitter
Busy elsewhere for a couple of days and my twitter bubble exploded on "strategic autonomy". Apparently @akk and @EmmanuelMacron got in a distant match on the term- though I see their views as largely compatible. Some thoughts based on my @FIIA_fi paper: https://www.fiia.fi/en/publication/eu-strategic-autonomy
The main issue is not that AKK & Macron fundamentally disagree on the importance of the transatlantic relationship for Europe, or the EU's need to become more capable on defence & other issues. They talk about two different ideas when they use the term "strategic autonomy" (2/)
Macron has a global visions on "strategic autonomy" based on the idea that the EU has to defend its interests in a number of policy issues in a more competitive world. Interestingly, he acknowleges that "Souvereignity" is too ambitious for some, as it implies political unity (3/)
In her politico piece, AKK's view on strategic autonomy was very narrow, conventional, looking elusively on defence issues. She revised this position in her speech, saying the idea goes to far, if(!) it implies decoupling from the US. So not a direct rebuke of Macron. (4/)
Some pointed out that the strategic autonomy debate is so popular, because it translates the nitty-gritty discussions on policies to broad, simplified arguments. I can see why that frustrating for us policy wonks, but its the job of politicians to make this an accessible debate.
Last, we shouldn't think of EU strategic autonomy as a binary choice, but something that's already on its way to some degree. The question is how to implement it without compromising on the transatlantic alliance, multilateral commitment and free trade. That's possible! (end)
Oh, and check out our @FIIA_fi webinar recording on EU strategic autonomy to see how well actually the defence planners of @akk and the foreign policy advisors of @EmmanuelMacron get along on strategic autonomy
@mlafontrapnouil @Nic_Koenig @RautioSari
@mlafontrapnouil @Nic_Koenig @RautioSari
