The idea of a European Security Council has returned to the European Union's political agenda. For decades, the EU effectively ensured its security through the military umbrella of the United States and NATO. But recent developments have compelled Europe to think differently.

Most of all, the Russia-Ukraine war has forced the bloc to confront urgent questions about how to guarantee the security of its member states and deter future aggression. In truth, this debate is also the result of a wider governance crisis in EU foreign and security policy.

Put simply, Europe has long been an economic giant but often appears slow, fragmented and ineffective in geopolitical decision-making. The proposal for a new security body is an attempt to fill that gap.

The EU also lacks clear mechanisms to operate independently in moments of strategic confrontation. One of the principal reasons is its consensus-based system. Many major foreign policy decisions still require the unanimous approval of all 27 member states. In practice, that means a single government can delay or block action by the entire bloc.

This weakness has been repeatedly exposed in recent years. Aid packages for Ukraine have been delayed. Sanctions on Russia have taken months of negotiation. Common positions on the Middle East have proven elusive. Approaches towards China remain........

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