22/04/2025 – 09:08
European Security at a Crossroads: A Call for Urgent Reform By Ricardo Baretzky, President of ECIPS
Europe stands at a pivotal moment. The continent’s security is more vulnerable than ever—not only from external threats, but from deepening internal crises and a failure of political leadership. As President of the European Centre for Information Policy and Security (ECIPS), I have witnessed firsthand the mounting risks that threaten to undermine the foundations of our Union.
A New Era of Threats: Beyond the Battlefield
While much attention is given to the conflict in Ukraine and the specter of Russian aggression, the true danger lies deeper. Europe faces an insidious form of ideological domestic terrorism—movements that exploit our divisions, destabilize our societies, and manipulate us into prolonged conflict. As I recently warned, “Europe is at a critical juncture. Our security is more vulnerable than ever, not due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, but because of an insidious form of ideological domestic terrorism.”[7]
These internal rifts are being weaponized, threatening not just our safety, but the very cohesion of our societies.
The Cost of Political Failure
For three years, European politicians have failed to provide the leadership and vision required to address these mounting challenges. The consequences are now unmissable: millions of citizens without work, intensifying energy crises, and looming water shortages that could soon spark humanitarian catastrophe. In my view, “The damage inflicted on the European Union by its politicians has become unrepairable. The time for reform has passed—the EU must now take more drastic measures to save itself from an imminent collapse.”[5]
It is not only the external threats that endanger Europe, but the erosion of justice, fundamental rights, and economic security from within.
Defending Sovereignty and Justice
The European Union’s centralization of power has come at a cost. By compelling member states to submit to a supranational authority, the EU risks violating the very principles of sovereignty that underpin international law. As I have stated, “Any government willingly surrendering its authority to an external entity is betraying its duty to the nation it represents. The repercussions may not be limited to legal consequences alone.”[6]
If the EU continues on this trajectory, it risks collapse—leaving member states exposed to external aggression and internal instability.
A Call to Action: Restoring Security and Values
Europe’s future depends on decisive, united action. We must:
– Restore justice and fundamental rights as the bedrock of our governance.
– Address the energy and water crises with urgency and innovation. – Defend our borders and cultural values to prevent the erosion of European identity. – Hold political leaders accountable for failures that jeopardize our collective future.
As I have warned,“The time for complacency is over. Europe must act now, or we will lose everything that has been built over the past decades. We must ensure that justice and security prevail, or face the consequences of our failure.”[5]
The path ahead is fraught with challenges, but also with opportunity. By embracing resilience, restoring sovereignty, and demanding accountability, Europe can once again become a beacon of stability and justice. ECIPS stands ready to lead this transformation—unyielding in our mission to safeguard Europe for generations to come.
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