The Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), the EU’s flagship initiative for defense and security collaboration, continues to strengthen Europe’s collective defense capabilities in 2025. Since its launch in 2017, PESCO has grown into a cornerstone of EU defense policy, fostering cooperation across member states in joint projects, military capabilities, and crisis response mechanisms.
In 2025, PESCO’s progress is evident in the implementation of over 60 projects that enhance military mobility, cybersecurity, and strategic airlift capacities. Recent advancements include the completion of the European Secure Software-Defined Radio (ESSOR) initiative, improving interoperable communications among EU armed forces, and the launch of the EU Cyber Rapid Response Teams, designed to counter rising digital threats.
A Unified Approach to Security
PESCO’s 25 member states (excluding Denmark, Malta, and Ireland) have reaffirmed their commitment to closer defense cooperation amidst an evolving security landscape. With the ongoing geopolitical tensions at Europe’s borders and increased hybrid threats, PESCO provides a platform for nations to pool resources, develop joint strategies, and strengthen their collective defense.
“This year marks a critical turning point for European defense,” said Josep Borrell, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. “PESCO demonstrates the EU’s capacity to act decisively in ensuring the safety of its citizens and contributing to global peace and stability.”
Supporting NATO and Global Partners
PESCO complements NATO’s role in European security by focusing on areas where the EU can provide added value, such as military mobility, joint procurement, and the development of cutting-edge defense technologies. This alignment ensures that PESCO initiatives do not duplicate NATO efforts but instead fill critical gaps, enhancing the overall security framework across the continent.
In 2025, collaborative exercises between PESCO member states and NATO forces have reached new levels of sophistication. These joint operations have focused on improving interoperability, particularly in communications, logistics, and rapid deployment capabilities. Through these exercises, European and NATO forces have honed their ability to respond to hybrid threats, cyberattacks, and conventional military challenges with a unified and coordinated approach.
PESCO’s emphasis on fostering strong transatlantic ties has also reinforced the EU’s position as a reliable partner for global defense. Regular dialogue and joint planning sessions between PESCO and NATO leadership have ensured seamless coordination, avoiding redundancies while leveraging the strengths of both organizations. This cooperation highlights the EU’s commitment to burden-sharing, which is crucial for maintaining stability in an increasingly multipolar world.
Furthermore, PESCO has extended its partnerships beyond NATO by engaging with non-EU countries and international organizations to address global security challenges. For example, collaborative projects in counterterrorism and maritime security have involved nations such as Norway, the United Kingdom, and Canada. These partnerships demonstrate PESCO’s flexibility and openness to working with allies outside the EU framework to promote shared security goals.
As NATO focuses on collective defense under its Article 5 commitments, PESCO initiatives provide the EU with the capacity to address a broader spectrum of challenges, including crisis management, peacekeeping, and resilience against non-conventional threats. By working in tandem, PESCO and NATO enhance Europe’s ability to respond effectively to both immediate crises and long-term strategic threats, ensuring a more secure future for EU citizens and its allies worldwide.
