The thesis will examine the theoretical and practical development of the military and defense capabilities of the European Union (EU) during the period between 2007, when the Lisbon Treaty was signed, and the end of 2022, which marks the conclusion of the first year of armed conflict in Ukraine. I chose this timeframe because both milestones represent significant steps in developing European military and defense capabilities. The Lisbon Treaty reshaped European security and defense policy with new mechanisms for operational coordination and cooperation among EU member states, as did the armed conflict in Ukraine, which prompted the EU to reconsider the need to strengthen its military capabilities. The thesis will also focus on the political and security motives that have driven EU member states to seek greater strategic autonomy in European military and defense affairs. Special attention will be given to analyzing the strategic advantages, limitations, and challenges faced by EU countries on this path to enhancing their military and defense capabilities.
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