1. The Variable Geometry of European Security Cooperation – Impact on Institutions and Small States
Reykjavik
14 October 2011

2. Variable Geometry
Countries cooperating in a large variety of groups whose composition is determined by the purpose of cooperation.

3. In Addition Initiatives emanate primarily from capitals
Institutions are more of facilitators than actors
Groups are more often formed across institutional borderlines

4. Variable Geometry as Perceived in the 1990’s
Institutionally based cooperation leading towards integration through a) vanguard groups, leading others b) core groups in concentric circles
Europe à la carte: opt-in and opt-out

5. From High Priority of Integration to Common Interests
EU as a peace project is today largely forgotten also within the founding states.
EU states to a very large degree have a common threat perception according to the European Security Strategy (2003 and 2008)

6. Why Variable Geometry?
New types and variety of threats makes security cooperation more varied.
Enlargement of the EU has made it more heterogeneous and more difficult to manage.
Fewer initiatives emanating from the EU.
Ongoing institutional changes within the EU.

7. Variable Geometry as Established Policy
Coalitions of the willing: due to the voluntary character of peace operations etc
Regional cooperation. Increased impetus by financial crisis

8. Variable Geometry and Integration
Prüm Convention: close cooperation among some EU countries in justice and home affairs against terrorism and international crime
Euro: but in which direction now?

9. Variable Geometry for Leadership and Influence
Formal groups: Franco-German, G6
Informal: Weimar Triangle (France, Germany and Poland) Anglo-French, Nordic, various contact groups etc

10. Impact on European Security
Giving the needed input which the EU is not able to give, increasing efficiency
…and solving internal problems within the group
…but risking that the momentum is created by the interests of the group rather than by all

11. Impact on Institutions
Risk that institutions may become even less important.
-This is a responsibility of the countries involved to show transparency and move issues to EU decision-making when relevant
- Also a responsibility for EU institutions ex Commission, EEAS etc to take initiatives

12. Impact on Small Countries – The Need to be Active
Small countries need to be knowledgeable, active, reliable and therefore sought-for partners.
They should do what they can to forward long-term and European solutions, which are the best ones for the small.