Momentum is growing behind a European defense strategy. While some countries, especially France, have traditionally called for the defense dimension to be addressed at the EU level in conceptual terms, most EU governments did not see the need to do so. Thus, initial plans for a European Global Strategy led by EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Federica Mogherini did not foresee a significant military dimension. However, the violent conflict to Europe’s east and south, as well as terrorist attacks at home, have underlined that the role of military power in international affairs, specifically in Europe’s neighborhood is growing again. Europeans cannot hide from these harsh realities, which has led to more support for an EU document dedicated to defense. [...]