Navigating Complexity: The Role of Informal Practices in European Security Architecture

Abstract

In recent years, the European security architecture has become more and more complex due to a multiplicity of factors. Among these, there are the resurgence of geopolitical tensions with the Russian war in Ukraine being the most significant disruption, the impact of Brexit, the evolving relationship between EU and NATO, shifts in US grand strategy and its approach to transatlantic security, and the growing influence of non-state actors. These dynamics have created an environment where traditional security mechanisms may be insufficient, prompting the need for flexible and adaptive responses. Against this backdrop, the evolving landscape of European security has been increasingly characterized by informal practices. While such practices have often complemented formal institutional frameworks such as NATO, the European Union, the OSCE, and other security frameworks, they have also frequently challenged them. An important example is the occurrence of informal groups of European states organizing the European security architecture both functionally and geographically to escape EU heavy reliance on consensus-seeking practices and overall lack of capacity in the foreign and security policy domain. In this context, this panel aims to illuminate the often overlooked but crucial role of informal practices in the European security architecture. By bringing together diverse perspectives, we seek to enhance our understanding of the conditions under which these practices emerge, how they operate, as well as their implications for academic research and policy developments. Through this exploration, we aim to contribute to a more nuanced and effective approach to security in Europe.

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