Four European Union member states, long committed to national neutrality, are increasingly drawn into Brussels' defence ambitions, with Cyprus receiving €1.2 billion in EU funds for military investment. This financial leverage from the EU's Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme, reportedly earmarked for drones, anti-tank missiles, and ammunition, signals a deeper erosion of national control over defence, a critical component of national sovereignty and border security.
Austria, which enshrined neutrality in constitutional law 71 years ago, faced similar pressure when applying to join the EU 37 years ago. The European Commission then stated that Austria's "permanent neutrality" was incompatible with existing treaties and could pose problems for the bloc's emerging common foreign and security policy. Austria nevertheless joined the EU 31 years ago.
Today, while the European Commission claims security and defence choices remain a national competence, EU treaties still bind member states. Article 42.7 of the EU Treaty, the bloc's mutual assistance clause, requires aid and assistance "by all the means in their power." This obligation applies to neutral states, even if it doesn't automatically demand military assistance. Austria's Secretary-General of the Federal Ministry of Defence, Arnold Kammel, stated any response would require domestic political consultation "within the limits that are given to us by our constitution."
These neutral nations, including Austria and Ireland, are already supporting Ukraine through EU financial assistance, such as a €90 billion loan, and sanctions against Russia. Cyprus and Ireland have also joined the 'Coalition of the Willing', further aligning their foreign policy with the EU's agenda, while Austria remains an observer.
Brussels' Grip on National Defence
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides has openly suggested a break from the country's historical non-alignment. In May, Christodoulides stated the divided country was ready to join NATO "when political conditions allow," despite Turkey's opposition. He argued that "Europe that does not invest in its defence and security is a Europe that is dependent, and dependence cannot be a strategic choice, if we want — and yes, we do want — to be geopolitically strong." This reflects a growing sentiment that national defence must conform to a broader, EU-defined strategy.
Malta, whose neutrality was constitutionally formalised 39 years ago, is also reconsidering its stance. Prime Minister Robert Abela backed the EU's €800 billion defence push in March 2025. Abela reportedly said the small island nation should rethink its traditional interpretation of neutrality and increase defence spending to reflect the times. For Malta, this means ensuring the security of subsea cables, maritime networks, and cyber infrastructure, as it has a burgeoning gaming industry.
Ireland's Prime Minister Micheál Martin clarified in July that Ireland is militarily but not politically neutral, maintaining the "overwhelming wish of the Irish people to remain militarily neutral." Ireland's policy was formally adopted about 86 to 87 years ago. Despite this, Ireland cooperates with NATO through the Partnership for Peace on critical undersea infrastructure, cybersecurity, and hybrid threats. The government announced a record €1.7 billion capital investment for defence for 2026–2030 in December 2025.
The Cost of Lost Sovereignty
Malta has almost doubled its defence spending over a decade, from roughly €42 million in 2014 to €77 million in 2023, with European Parliament data estimating a projected rise to €100 million this year. Abela stated in early 2025: "We cannot adopt a position, as maybe we frequently have, that our country is cut off and completely protected from the realities around us." This shift in national spending priorities, influenced by EU directives, demonstrates the financial cost of aligning with Brussels' defence agenda.
Ian Lesser, a distinguished fellow at the German Marshall Fund, noted Ireland's reliance on others while not being able to "shape" wider security strategy. He highlighted Ireland's dependence on international digital links and the security of its sea lanes, which "cannot be taken for granted." This dependence underscores the vulnerability of nations that cede control over their security, including their ability to manage their own borders.
A Continent Unprepared for National Defence
The EU Institute for Security Studies Director, Steven Everts, stated that the speed of global change requires all EU member states to assess choices made decades ago. He specifically noted the British sovereign base in Cyprus' Akrotiri was struck by an Iranian-made Shahed drone 5 months ago, prompting Christodoulides to call for a "clear manual that ensures the union acts as a credible guarantor of security." This incident highlights the immediate threats European nations face, yet the response is increasingly framed through EU mechanisms rather than strengthened national capabilities.
Everts warned that the real test of neutrality will come if Europe faces armed aggression. He questioned what would happen "in terms of the reactions, in terms of the solidarity, in terms of the actual commitments, including in the military field of those four countries" if an EU member state were attacked. This suggests national defence decisions may ultimately be dictated by Brussels, further eroding the national sovereignty essential for true security.