Keeping the Skies Open over Europe
According to this CSS Policy Perspective by Névine Schepers, the Open Skies Treaty requires coordinated and outspoken European support to ensure its survival following the US’ withdrawal announcement. If the treaty is to continue, with or without US participation, resolving existing compliance issues with Russia will be crucial.
A Ukrainian Antonov An-30B aircraft used under the Open Skies Treaty. OSCE
Key Points
- The Open Skies Treaty serves European security interests by providing transparency, predictability and stability, as well as enabling military-to-military cooperation between NATO allies, partners, and Russia.
- While a US withdrawal from the treaty may be inevitable, there is a small window of opportunity for western European parties to coordinate an appeal to the US highlighting the benefits of the treaty, and to continue to work together with Russia to resolve outstanding compliance issues.
- The European response has thus far been mostly led behind closed doors, but with limited time available, a more public defense strategy should be pursued. European parties should also seek strength in numbers and ensure that future statements bring together as many members as possible.