TV-documentary: The state of European Defence

DEN HAAG (PDC i) - This week, the Dutch TV-programme 'De slag om Europa' shed light on the question whether Europe is still able to defend itself in light of the sustained defence cuts in many EU member-states. During the NATO-conference earlier this month, it became clear that the United States wants its trans-atlantic partners to become less dependent on American protection. However, is Europe capable to provide for its own defence? 

At the world's biggest security conference in Munich, the documentary-maker spoke with the American senator John McCain and Dutch defence minister Hennis-Plasschaert. At the Munich conference, political leaders called for a deepening of European defence cooperation. Yet, former general-sectary of the NATO Jaap de Hoop Scheffer i is sceptical about Europe's defence capacity. European governments remain divided in their stance towards Russia and the developments in Ukraine.

The documentary gives an insight into Europe's state of defence, and provides for an excellent opportunity to prepare yourself for this year's Europe Lecture on 'Europe in the World: Peace and Security'!

You can watch the programme here.