With European Defence On Everyone’s Mind, We Need to Remember That Security Begins at Home

Unless a young European chooses to enlist in the armed forces or works in a national security institution or industry, there might not be obvious ways to contribute personally to European defence. However, this perception is only accurate if security is seen as a public good delivered exclusively by the state – as is the case of defending external borders with military kit.

Such a narrow view underestimates the type of threats we face today and the essential role individuals, neighbourhoods and society plays in responding to them.

That’s why security must also be considered a personal concern. In short, we all need to be involved.