PeSCo: The Lithuanian Perspective

The Lithuanian position vis-à-vis Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) derives from a national security concept, which suggests a clear division of labour between NATO and the EU, where NATO is accorded security provider function and the EU is considered as a source of economic welfare or the provider of so-called “soft” security. Reinvigoration of the European security and defence policy as well as increasingly challenging security environment, Brexit and impulsiveness of the actions of the US President, however, might inflict a revision of the current priorities. The paper outlines current Lithuanian position on PESCO, the factors shaping this position and the opportunities as well the challenges for more active engagement in various PESCP initiatives and projects…