Taking European defence seriously: The naval operations of the European Union as a model for a Security and Defence Union

The two naval operations set up until now by the EU, Atalanta and Sophia, have demonstrated a growing level of consensus and willingness by Member States, a great number of which participating in both operations. Furthermore, and more clearly in the case of Atalanta but also in the first stages of Sophia, it can be said that these CSDP activities have been highly successful, taken into consideration the level of accomplishment of their respective goals. Having shown its potential, the launching of naval operations in crisis management could be seen as a step forward in the creation of a Security and Defence Union. Therefore, the next step in European integration regarding security matters can be the implementation of the Permanent Structured Cooperation anticipated in Article 42.2 and 46 of TEU and developed in Protocol No 10 annexed to the Lisbon Treaty. That achievement would be the landmark that would generate the nucleus from which a Security and Defence Union can emergeReceived: 14 December 2017Accepted: 10 January 2018Published online: 28 March 2018