EuroDefense Network
In 1994, a group of concerned individuals gathered in France and created EuroDefense, an association that would aim at promoting European security and defense identity to the general public and contribute to developing a European defense spirit. Sister organizations started to emerge in other European countries, including Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Austria, Greece, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Romania. In 2001, the EURODEFENSE Network was created, comprising all national associations and governed by a Memorandum of Understanding agreed by them all. Their common goal: to continue searching for a unified and efficient European defense as a means for Europe to be a strategic player in years to come. Eurodefense promotes and recognizes: - That the interests of EU member states is to acquire a capacity for rapid and effective decision-making and action in the fields of security and defense; - That the magnitude of defense and security challenges facing the EU confirms the need to maintain a strategic alliance with the United States; - That close cooperation between European defense industries is vital to create a common technological and industrial base in a context of heightened international competition; and - That strengthening Europe’s strategic position requires the combination and unity of the economic, industrial and technological resources of its members. The Eurodefense Network is managed by a biannual Council of Presidents and an annual international conference hosted alternately by each association. Besides these events, the Network carries out its work through European Working Groups (EWG) authorized by the Council of Presidents, resulting in joint resolutions, summaries, and position papers made available to decision-makers and the public.
