Jyrki Katainen: discussing the future of EU defence with citizens
Together with Frans Timmermans, Vice-President Jyrki Katainen is one of the most active Commissioners in discussing the Future of Europe with citizens, both through Facebook Lives and Citizen Dialogues in Member States. He answered dozens of questions on the possible scenarios for EU defence.
During his first Facebook Live in March, Jyrki Katainen was answering questions that he was reading directly from his laptop in his office at the Berlaymont — the headquarters of EU Commissioners’ cabinets. The session outlined some elements on what became, on the 7 June 2017, the reflection paper with three possible scenarios on the future of EU defence. On that day, the Commission proposed a new EU Defence Fund that will coordinate, supplement and amplify national investments in defence research, in the development of prototypes and in the acquisition of defence equipment and technology.
Answering questions on the future of EU defence
The first Facebook Live was a success, achieving over 34,000 views and 264 comments. Nevertheless, VP Katainen decided to change locations. So for his second interaction on 26 June on the topic of EU defence, he chose the same rooftop where the live Q&A session on the end of roaming fees took place.
He was positively surprised by the strong support given to the EU Defence Fund by Member States at the latest European Council.
“They say that we cannot afford any more to do all the necessary investments to protect our citizens alone. Money is one of the drivers. I am quite confident we can move forward quite fast because of the strong support.”
e was also surprised by the viewers’ comments. Dalibor from Croatia was wondering why, since the EU project is based on peace, the Commission wants to boost investment in the defence sector.
“The EU project is based on peace, but all Member States have their own defence forces and armies. Now we have to focus on cooperation, because we do everything 27 times, and the output on defence is not as good as it would be if we cooperated altogether”.
Many viewers, such as Andrei from Estonia, recalled the concept of an EU army.
“An EU army could be a reality sometime in a distant future. We are not planning it. Not even NATO has its own army. The EU defence system in the future could also be based on national armies”.
Jyrki Katainen also took part in a Citizens’ Dialogue on 14 July in Pori, Finland and in Sofia, Bulgaria, on 21 July. You can follow the Citizens’ dialogues on Twitter by using the hashtag #EUdialogues.
