A new Occasional Paper from the Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination at Princeton University (LISD), "The European Union's Defense Dimension," summarizes Lieutenant General Esa Pulkkinen’s virtual presentation and discussion on May 20, 2020 with Princeton University faculty, students, and alumni, which took place as part of the Liechtenstein Institute’s seminar on Europe and the World and Crisis Diplomacy. The paper provides an overview of the European Union Military Staff’s approach to defense and cooperation, particularly in addressing current security challenges such as, the Covid-19 pandemic, disinformation, and migration. Lt. Gen Pulkkinen details the way in which EUMS hybrid operations, present a great potential for the EU and the European Commission to work in tandem – "if their respective competencies are properly utilized and coordinated." Opinions expressed in this and all LISD Occasional Papers are those of the authors.

About the Author

General Esa Pulkkinen, is one of eight original ‘founding fathers’ of the European Union Military Staff (EUMS) and recently marked the end of 10 years aggregated service with the EUMS in a variety of capacities, including as Director General of the EUMS and since June 2017, double hatted as the first Director of the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) and Commander of the EU’s non-executive military training missions in the Central African Republic, Mali and Somalia. As Director General of the EUMS and Director of the MPCC, PTG Pulkkinen was accountable to the EU High Representative, Mr. Borrell and to the EU Political and Security Committee (PSC).