The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has brought spatial capabilities to the forefront of European discussions. It is necessary to recognise the impact of fragmented Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) capabilities along national boundaries, as this significantly hinders the enhancement of operational intelligence production. This paper argues in favour of a convergence plan for domestic capabilities that respects member states’ regalian prerogatives and the European Union’s (EU) civil infrastructure. Developing sovereign GEOINT capabilities at the European level would increase interoperability among member states, be cost-effective, and provide an added geopolitical advantage. This study’s significance lies in its ability to reconcile national sovereignty prerogatives and the imperative to effectively share GEOINT in a context of war and growing hybrid threats from abroad.
About the author:
Marie Pisias is a master student in International Security.
Carolina Aronica is a master student in International Security.
Alexander Keuerleber is a defense and security research trainee at Finabel.
Aishik Goswami is an International Relations postgraduate from the University of Glasgow, and works as an Editor at Finabel.