European Commission proposes European Security Council to combat hybrid threats

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed the creation of a European Security Council (ESC) to address increasing hybrid threats facing the continent. The proposed body would serve as a permanent forum for EU heads of state and government to meet regularly with key partners, including the United Kingdom, Norway, Ukraine, and Canada.

The initiative aims to facilitate faster collective assessment and coordination regarding non-traditional military threats, such as cyberattacks, sabotage, drone incursions, and interference with critical infrastructure. To support this, a planned emergency security protocol would allow for rapid mobilization of member states when a country faces a severe hybrid threat.

While the European Commission maintains that the ESC is intended to complement NATO rather than duplicate its military defense functions, some experts and governments have expressed concerns regarding potential overlap with existing NATO structures. The proposal comes amid rising concerns over coordinated hybrid campaigns, including attacks on maritime vessels and infrastructure.