Nuclear Realities: Navigating Diverging Perspectives in the EU in Times of Crisis
As the global security landscape shifts with unprecedented speed, nuclear policy and deterrence strategies face growing scrutiny in Europe. With the backdrop of the conflict in Ukraine and rising geopolitical tensions, the European Union finds itself at a crossroads: How should it approach nuclear deterrence, and what role should it play in shaping global nuclear policies?
I had the honor of co-organizing the panel “Nuclear Realities: Navigating Diverging Perspectives in the EU in Times of Crisis” at the recent Young Security Conference, alongside Sophie Pownall. This discussion brought together experts from academia, activism, and EU governance to tackle these pressing questions. The panel’s goal was to unpack the EU's nuclear stance by examining a spectrum of perspectives across policy, security, and disarmament.
Meet the Panelists: A Diverse Array of Nuclear Expertise
Our distinguished speakers, each a leader in their field, provided insights that bridged policy analysis, theoretical frameworks, and on-the-ground realities:
Lena Wittenfeld (Research Associate, University of Bielefeld): Specializing in Political Theory and International Relations, Lena presented an academic perspective on nuclear disarmament. Her work challenges traditional views on nuclear weapons, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of nuclear deterrence within political theory, particularly as it pertains to EU security policy.
Alexander Sorg (Postdoctoral Researcher, Sciences Po and Research Fellow, Hertie School’s Centre for International Security): Alexander focused on public opinion’s influence on nuclear policy. His research examines how public sentiment across EU member states impacts national nuclear stances, underscoring the importance of gauging and understanding citizens' perspectives to shape realistic and supported policies.
Jean-Marie Collin (Director, ICAN France): Representing the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), Jean-Marie provided insights into arms control and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). His perspective highlighted the complexities of nuclear deterrence from a disarmament viewpoint, advocating for a more secure, less weaponized Europe.
Dr. Tetiana Melnyk (Accredited Parliamentary Assistant to Polish MEP Marek Balt): With expertise in Euro-Atlantic security, Dr. Melnyk discussed the broader security implications of nuclear deterrence, especially from Poland’s perspective as an EU member state closely watching the unfolding conflict in Ukraine. Her work connects nuclear policy to the EU’s diplomatic efforts with NATO and underscores the strategic challenges posed by nuclear policies on Europe’s eastern flank.
Valery Kavaleuski (Deputy Head and Representative for Foreign Affairs, United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus): Drawing on his experience in Belarusian diplomacy and EU relations, Valery discussed Belarus’s nuclear positioning within the context of its relationship with Russia and the EU. His perspective brought valuable insights into the tensions between national sovereignty, EU diplomacy, and the influence of nuclear-armed states.
Exploring Diverging Perspectives on Nuclear Deterrence in Europe
The EU is home to a complex and sometimes contradictory array of views on nuclear deterrence, shaped by each member state's unique historical, political, and geographic context. During the panel, we delved into these divergences to uncover both common ground and challenges:
The Deterrence vs. Disarmament Debate
A key theme was the ongoing tension between nuclear deterrence and disarmament. Some EU countries, such as France, view nuclear deterrence as essential to maintaining strategic autonomy. However, disarmament advocates, including ICAN, argue that deterrence fuels an arms race that ultimately increases global risk. Jean-Marie Collin highlighted the TPNW’s role in advocating for disarmament and questioned the long-term viability of deterrence, especially in a Europe that seeks to model peace and security.
The Role of Public Opinion in Shaping Nuclear Policy
Alexander Sorg emphasized the importance of public opinion in shaping nuclear policy across the EU. Many citizens view nuclear weapons as outdated and hazardous, often pressuring governments to consider alternative security strategies. Public support for disarmament is strong, but the perception of nuclear deterrence as a security guarantee complicates efforts to move away from nuclear capabilities. This duality reflects a need for leaders to engage with citizens and clearly communicate the realities and risks of nuclear policy.
Nuclear Policy and Euro-Atlantic Security
Dr. Tetiana Melnyk addressed the security implications of nuclear policy in the context of Euro-Atlantic relations. For nations like Poland, which borders Ukraine, the question of nuclear deterrence is not theoretical but practical, directly impacting national security. With Russia's ongoing aggression, the panel examined whether the EU should adopt a more robust nuclear stance or focus on diplomatic and non-nuclear avenues to ensure regional stability.
Belarus and the Influence of External Nuclear Powers
Valery Kavaleuski’s insights into Belarus underscored the challenges faced by nations with close ties to nuclear powers like Russia. For Belarus, nuclear policy is not solely a matter of national choice but is heavily influenced by Russian interests. This dynamic highlights the EU’s challenge of balancing its nuclear stance with the geopolitical realities of its neighbors, some of whom face significant pressure from nuclear-armed states.
The Future of EU Nuclear Policy in a Changing World
Lena Wittenfeld raised critical questions about the future trajectory of the EU’s nuclear stance. Should the EU pursue greater autonomy in its nuclear policy, or should it align more closely with NATO’s deterrence strategy? These questions are essential as Europe contemplates its role as a potential independent actor on the global stage.
Implications for EU Governance and Peacebuilding
The panel emphasized that EU nuclear policy cannot be one-size-fits-all. Instead, it must account for each member state's unique position on deterrence, disarmament, and security. This diversity underscores the need for open dialogue within the EU to forge policies that are both pragmatic and reflective of the bloc’s commitment to peacebuilding.
By providing a platform for these discussions, the Young Security Conference fosters a vital exchange of ideas on nuclear realities. As co-organizer, I am proud to have contributed to this exploration and look forward to seeing how the insights from this panel may influence future EU policy decisions on nuclear deterrence and disarmament.
Moving Forward: The Role of Conferences in Shaping Policy Discourse
The “Nuclear Realities” panel exemplified the power of collaborative dialogue in tackling complex security issues. With diverse viewpoints ranging from academic theory to political pragmatism, the conference underscored the importance of ongoing discussions on nuclear policy, especially in times of crisis.
I am grateful to have been part of such a thought-provoking panel and look forward to seeing the policy impact of our discussions. The future of nuclear policy in the EU is not only a matter of governance but of peace, security, and shared responsibility across borders.
