DAV4 Expert Group

Since the beginning of the economic crisis, NATO and EU countries have cut tens of billions of euros from defence budgets. Many abolished entire capabilities such as tanks or maritime patrol aircraft. European countries’ capacity to project stability and defend their interest in the neighbourhood and beyond is being tested as never before. With economic growth projected to stagnate for the foreseeable future, NATO and EU defence establishments, more than ever, need to seek greater efficiencies. Cross-border collaboration is one of the most promising solutions. By aligning the use of their fixed military infrastructure, sharing facilities and services, or buying and maintaining next generation of weapons together, countries can maintain capabilities which would otherwise be threatened by budget cuts. Such collaboration has also become an important test of the memberstates’ commitment to the alliance.
The Visegrad 4 countries (V4) are well positioned to become one such ‘cluster of co-operation’. They share a commitment to supporting NATO and EU solidarity through active participation in missions, some have worked together closely on operations, and the four already have a fruitful political relationship in other policy areas such as energy security.