“We have no family of plans for European defence, as NATO does” An interview with General Robert Brieger, former Chairman of the EU Military Committee. When you refer to the European Defence Union, is there any area, be it hybrid, cyber, or crisis management, where the EU Defence Union can provide a unique added value to NATO? But, on the other hand, 23 of 32 NATO member states are European, and therefore close cooperation is essential. Is it simply about strengthening the European defence industry and building a common defence financial market, or is it more than that? We have no family of plans for European defence, as NATO does.