Lithuania in European Union common security and defence policy context

OBJECTIVES: Brexit and the U.S. elections reinforced the idea that Europeans must take more responsibility for their own security. EU Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) that encompasses 29 nations is gaining momentum. The aim of this study is to acknowledge ongoing developments in EU CSDP and define their impact for Lithuanian defence and security policy. METHODS: The comparative scientific literature and document analysis method was used throughout this study. The article firstly reviews the path of EU CSDP developments, outlines roles and responsibilities of EU structures and examines current activities in the CSDP framework with the focus on Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO). The second part is devoted to considering Lithuania’s role in the current EU CSDP context, and to outline decisions that the Lithuanian authorities made in implementing the new PESCO initiative. RESULTS: The study reveals that: CSDP remains an adaptive framework for the EU; established procedures ensure CSDP works for all nations; the PESCO initiative indicates positive outcomes while reinforcing the idea of “EU Strategic autonomy”. It was also identified that: the approved National Security Strategy backs current EU initiatives; PESCO could provide flexible response options without duplicating NATO’s efforts; national participation in PESCO initiatives will enable improvements in cyber security and will enable rapid access for possible EU and NATO troop deployments; participation in the PESCO negotiation phase achieved the political aims to seek more extensive projects and position the nation as a core member of the EU. CONCLUSIONS: The shift in Lithuanian policies for deeper engagement in CSDP is probably shaped by the recognition that the strategic trans-Atlantic partnership is not certain anymore, as well as the UK taking a 3rd party role after Brexit