What European Resilience Should Really Mean

A new buzzword is circulating: resilience. It figures prominently in the EU’s global strategy published in June 2016. NATO also made sure at its 8-9 July 2016 summit in Warsaw it would embrace resilience as well.

However, it is wider than merely a security concern, the author argues.

This time round, the word really matters. Resilience is about how governments should put in place serious preventive measures or actions that can kick in rapidly in the event of catastrophes or attacks. It’s about how democracies and their societies can recover after a terrorist attack from the air, by suicide bombers, from chemical or biological agents, or in cyberspace, to name but a few methods designed to incapacitate political systems and undermine democracies.

In the case of Europe, resilience also requires closer integration. It’s about protecting and preserving the fabric of society and its infrastructure. It’s about ensuring that democratic governments can respond with speed and unity to ensure stability, freedom, and security. It’s about protecting Europe’s economy and values.

ESO: Background information: High Representative Mogherini presents EU Global Strategy for Foreign and Security Policy, June 2016 http://www.europeansources.info/record/high-representative-mogherini-presents-eu-global-strategy-for-foreign-and-security-policy/

ESO: Background information: Warsaw Summit Communiqué. Issued by the Heads of State and Government participating in the meeting of the North Atlantic Council in Warsaw 8-9 July 2016 http://www.europeansources.info/record/warsaw-summit-communique-issued-by-the-heads-of-state-and-government-participating-in-the-meeting-of-the-north-atlantic-council-in-warsaw-8-9-july-2016/

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