European defence version 2.0: what does it offer for Lithuania?

ENNew developments in CSDP open a window of opportunity for the states like Lithuania which, for a number of years, have been quite sceptic vis-à-vis European defence projects: first of all, due to a strong emphasis on NATO primacy in their security policies; second, because of the slow progress within CSDP. In the face of changing security environment, emerging new threats and potential transatlantic tensions, Lithuania has become more open towards CSDP. It might be argued that the Lithuanian position on European defence evolved during past years has slightly changed from a cautious to a “pragmatic scepticism”, which allows the opportunity to enhance Lithuanian involvement in CSDP. Numerous challenges such as the lack of more decisive steps towards integration (Deubner, 2018), diverging visions of PESCO and different national interests still remain; the substance and speed of the new developments give CSDP a chance. The article explores new developments in European defence with the aim to define the main challenges and opportunities for Lithuanian security policy.