Publication

This paper examines the performance of two European regional security and defense cooperation projects: the Nordic defense cooperation (NORDEFCO) and the Visegrad Group (V4). The author contends that while such projects are seen as promising methods for enhancing military capabilities at a time of defense budget cuts in the EU, the record of both NORDEFCO and the V4 remains rather modest. Indeed, he suggests that while both formats have proved effective in uncomplicated projects - such as those involving military education, training and logistics – they have not performed as well in bringing about cooperation in procurement or military integration. However, he also highlights that despite NORDEFCO and the V4's modest achievements, the level of cooperation they have brought about may enable further integration in the future.