TOWARDS A EUROPEAN DEFENCE UNION

This document presents a refined implementation plan for achieving European strategic autonomy in defense, building upon the vision outlined in “Towards a United European Army.” It proposes the establishment of a European Defense Command Authority (EDCA), a modular force structure starting with a 20,000-strong European Rapid Reaction Corps (EURRC), and a shared nuclear planning mechanism without requiring new warheads. The plan introduces a realistic €250 billion budget combining ReArm Europe funds and EU Defense Bonds, and outlines a governance framework based on qualified majority voting with an emergency brake. Designed to be compatible with existing EU treaties and institutional dynamics, the proposal offers a credible roadmap for transforming the EU into a cohesive and autonomous defense actor by 2035. It is intended as a strategic contribution to the ongoing debate on European sovereignty, complementing NATO while enabling the Union to act independently when necessary.