The EU is investing in security and defence policies at a scale and speed not seen in decades. This comes in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, growing geopolitical instability, and doubts whether the United States could remain as reliable security ally for Europe. European military budgets are rising and new security and defence plans are being developed under the umbrella of ReArm Europe plan / Readiness 2030 agenda. In 2025 alone, military expenditure of EU Member States reached over €400 billion, and this sum is only expected to rise further. EU’s Member States, including the Netherlands, are aligning their own security policies closely with broader developments at the EU level.
While there are real threats facing the EU, there is also a growing risk that European security becomes narrowly understood in terms of military power alone. This would be detrimental for broader foundations of a rules-based order and sustainable peace. In our new policy brief “Peace-proofing European Security Policies: Mission Possible?”, we argue that the EU should pursue a comprehensive, responsible and peace-oriented security agenda. It relies on three pillars: an integrated approach to peace and security; human security and protection of civilians; and robust safeguards for the defence sector. These recommendations are also fully applicable to the national policies, particularly, in the context of the recently published Dutch International Security Strategy.
1. An integrated approach
European security cannot be reduced to military readiness. We need an integrated approach, as sustainable security also depends on diplomacy, international cooperation, conflict prevention, peacebuilding, democratic resilience, and support for human rights and the rule of law worldwide. Without prioritizing these aspects, European societies become more vulnerable both to domestic turbulence and to the effects of external crises.
This should be recognized in the EU’s forthcoming new Security Strategy and the next EU budget for 2028-2034. More money for defence should not divert investment from non-military underpinnings of peace and security. Instead of fixating on percentage-based military spending, European governments must allocate sufficient resources both for external action that contributes to peace objectives and for sustaining peaceful societies within Europe.
2. Protection of civilians
Security policies should always be centered around people, protecting them. Even when military measures are needed, they should be planned and assessed through a human security lens that prioritizes protection of civilians, civilian harm mitigation, respect for international humanitarian law (IHL), transparency and accountability. These considerations should be integrated into European security and defence frameworks, military planning, training programs and external military assistance.
Unlike its earlier frameworks, the EU’s more recent initiatives – including the ReArm Europe plan / Readiness 2030 agenda and broader military-industrial transformation efforts – contain few references to human security and civilian protection. This gap must be addressed. Europe’s security policies should be judged not only by how much they strengthen military capabilities, but by whether they meet the real protection needs of people and societies.
3. Sufficient safeguards
Stronger defence must mean stronger safeguards in place. Europe’s military build-up should not weaken the rules and safeguards that make security and defence policies responsible. Arms export controls, human rights standards, due diligence rules and environmental protections must not be treated as red tape. Yet, current discussions around defence industrial expansion, simplification of regulatory frameworks, and scaling investments in the military sector put them at risk.
The implementation of European security and defence instruments should therefore be accompanied by strong safeguards and oversight mechanisms. European policies and funding should not support acquisition or production of controversial weapons such as anti-personnel landmines, cluster munitions, weapons of mass destruction, autonomous weapons systems, or other weapons incompatible with international law. Furthermore, the EU should uphold robust arms export controls to prevent sales of European weapons to countries where they can be used for serious human rights abuses and in violation of IHL, while European defence industry must be required to abide by responsible business standards.
EU’s role as a peace actor
The long-term strength and legitimacy of Europe’s emerging security architecture will depend not on its military capabilities, but on whether it contributes to sustainable peace, protects civilians, upholds international law and prevents future conflict. As a leading peace actor, the EU should use this opportunity to champion the highest standards in security and defence policies and to uphold its commitment to human security, conflict sensitivity, arms control, humanitarian disarmament, democratic oversight and accountability.
