Contenu du sommaire : L'affirmation stratégique des Européens

Debate on major contemporary strategic challenges has been focusing mainly on Europe and its defence in an already complicated state of affairs, aggravated by the chaotic process of Brexit. The European Union is in fact at a turning point in its existence, which means it needs to be more assertive on a strategic level.

The European Union has a major advantage in that it allows member states to be stronger collectively and therefore better placed to protect their citizens. Two areas of work in particular need to be undertaken: more active diplomacy with strengthened digital independence, and an economy that is better supported by a dynamic euro and forward-looking ecology.

Europe is in strategic disarray within a deleterious international environment. Reaffirmation of the need for legitimate and credible European defence is urgently needed. The challenge to be faced is immense and requires much effort and conviction. France is active on this issue and will take on its responsibilities.

The EU is pacific in nature but needs to strengthen its international credibility by developing a genuine programme for common military defence that would better enable it to bring weight to bear on the international scene. It is not a matter of proving its ability to get involved but to be able to discuss issues with the major world powers.

Franco-German reconciliation was one of the founding pillars of European construction. The military dimension of this policy has resulted in some positive developments but disagreements still exist on the strategic objectives for a truly operational European defence structure. There is progress still to be made.

Franco-German cooperation in the field of defence goes back a long way and has led to a number of successes but much has also been left unresolved because of fundamental differences over strategic objectives and economic and industrial interests. Symbolism has the edge by far over real, common operational commitments.

Given the ambiguities of the Trump administration, a European Europe and an Atlantic Europe tied to the United States are both now illusions. For over sixty years Europeans have lacked ambition and have lived in strategic comfort: a shake-up is needed in a changing world.

Nuclear deterrence in Europe has long been the subject of ambivalence. The American umbrella was supposed to have ensured such deterrence yet the prevarications of the Trump administration are calling it into question. Given that France will be the sole nuclear power in the European Union after Brexit, the debate has been reopened.

Of the three phases of European construction since 1945 the last, which incorporated some former Eastern Bloc countries, has run into difficulty because of the proposed integration model that aimed at erasing a number of national aspects. The disarray rising from this, which has led to rising electoral populism, means there is a need to react to avoid this difficulty turning into a complete failure.

Contrary to expectations of the nineteen-nineties, the European Union has not succeeded in creating true cohesion and coherence among its member states. A rift has gradually been created between those countries formerly under dominance of the USSR and those of the West, with profound differences over values and the European project.

Europe needs to set itself the political objective of acquiring coherent and credible strategic autonomy that goes beyond simple analyses of threats. The EU must create a strategic document that defines common interests and a military programming law that bridges the long-identified capability gaps.

The Transatlantic link was instrumental in the creation of American mentalities based on the principles of the Lumières and the absolute respect of individual freedom. Nevertheless, ideological differences have now become a source of concern, since they call into question these long-accepted universal, common beliefs.

Relations between the United States and European countries are complex. The latter need Washington's protection and yet with Donald Trump showing little interest in NATO and being highly critical of the EU, that protection is no longer certain insofar as the Americans harbour greater doubts about Europe.

Europeans are facing an existential crisis that calls the EU model into question. Countries have become polarised and tense, and their diverging interests require a new look at two approaches for the future—cohesion and European sovereignty. These are central issues for the Commission following the elections of 26 May 2019.

The EU will always have a limited military role despite the advances already achieved. France is the sole EU power to have any credible defence. It will therefore have to take on greater responsibility and offer genuine leadership that is accepted by its partners.

AI is now innervating the battlefield with numerous analyses and questions on its advantages and disadvantages. AI certainly poses a challenge requiring a classical, ethical approach, yet it contributes to reducing uncertainty and therefore to lifting the doubt that arises from the fog of war.

AI is now an essential element of operations. Naval Group is working on the issue by considering that AI must above all respond to an operational need whilst taking into account the peculiarities of the naval environment. This also means knowing how to innovate and rethink our working practices.

Artificial Intelligence is finding its way into almost all aspects of data handling. The exponential growth in developments requires permanent vigilance with regard to cyber security. It is a fact that AI and cyber security are closely linked: France should continue its investment in order to preserve its digital sovereignty.

Up to now the results of cyber conflict have been somewhat spectacular yet should be kept in perspective with regard to their physical effects. That said, real change is happening via the Internet of objects, which could have major tangible consequences that open up new potential for cyber warfare.

The expansion of over-populated megalopolises poses a challenge for security, and the development of smart cities is modifying modes of military action. New doctrinal thinking is needed to respond to the challenges of any commitment of our forces in a complex and more dangerous urban environment.

The EU is developing bilateral cooperation with Tunisia in the matter of fighting Islamist terrorism. Mechanisms have been set up to allow the Tunisian authorities to improve their ways and means and at the same time reinforce the constitutional state. The EU has a duty to contribute to this type of foreign policy.

The training of fighter pilots is highly demanding, and the entry into service of the PC-21 aircraft will fundamentally alter the syllabus. Before that phase of instruction, the competences of the young future pilot need to be built upon through use of simulation and in flying a high performance initial training aircraft. Piloting remains a pivotal matter for the Air Force.

Four force replenishment ships (Bâtiment ravitailleur de forces—BRF) will replace the three Durance class AORs between 2022 and 2029. The BRF concept follows that of the Italian LSS, bringing new capabilities to our ocean-going navy and it will be adaptable to future needs, including that of the next aircraft carrier.

New technologies such as additive manufacturing using 3D printers could be used to the benefit proliferation practices, since they afford capabilities to those who seek to obtain high quality weapons. There is a need to revisit control mechanisms and to enter into discussion with the industries that are developing these innovative tools.

Arms Control talks have become strained at a time of heavy commitments arising from several treaties. It would seem that these treaties are no longer able to respond to new challenges such as China's increasing power. France and Europe need to be vigilant if they are not to be sidelined in future deals.

Admiral Guy Labouérie, who died in 2016, was a great strategic thinker and had considerable influence on several generations of seafarers. He was heavily influenced by Christian theology and his rigorous writing often led to complex works that posed vital questions on the use of force.

From the autumn of 1940, François de Menthon published the secret newspaper Liberté that encouraged resistance to the Nazi occupiers. This man of Savoy origin was one of the designers of the political programme of the Council for national resistance and later became a prosecutor at the Nuremberg trials. He has alas been largely forgotten and yet merits remembrance as a genuine fighter for freedom.