In an increasingly uncertain international context, the European Union has shifted its military action from territorial crisis management toward broader strategic and material support. Since 2021, the European Peace Facility has marked a major turning point by directly financing lethal equipment and partner training. This shift now prioritizes technological and budgetary assistance, particularly in Ukraine. Nicolas-Jean Brehon’s study reviews all military operations conducted by Europe since 2003 and the developments currently underway.

European military operations go beyond simple defense and have become a powerful diplomatic lever, affirming the European Union’s political presence on the international stage. Despite operational successes and unprecedented multinational experience, they face budgetary complexities and reluctance in the face of high-intensity risks. This dynamic in European defense is new, and the challenge is to find the right balance between initiative, funding, decision-making processes, and objectives in order to strengthen Europe’s position and role in the world.