By Sven Biscop*Europe’s strategy for its southern flank is patchy, its military presence is limited and its US ally appears to be withdrawing. Whether they act through the EU, NATO, ad hoc coalitions or alone, Europe’s states will have to look out for their own interests. First, Europeans must help build a ring of states on Europe’s southern flank that provide sufficiently effective and inclusive government to appeal to their own broad population. Even these limited ends are not easy to achieve; they will require a much more concerted effort from the EU, NATO and their members than is the case today. On 16 June 2020 the EU’s Defence Ministers agreed to develop a ‘Strategic Compass’: this could be an opportunity to reassess the threats and challenges, and to formulate a security strategy for Europe’s southern flank.

Source: Libya Today July 20, 2020 01:07 UTC