The authors argue that the current security situation in Europe is akin to a glass that is either half-empty or half-full. They highlight that while the Vienna Document CSBM agreement has proven effective in the past, it now faces significant challenges and opportunities for future improvement. The study examines 13 research questions, including the impact of contextual factors on the effectiveness of the CSBMs, the extent to which the agreement's objectives are met, and the compliance with its norms and rules. It assesses the effectiveness of the CSBMs during military crises and internal conflicts, addressing issues of non-compliance and the distribution of cooperation benefits among participating states. The authors also explore how CSBMs are perceived from the power perspective of each state and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of implementing the rules. Additionally, they identify the core strengths and weaknesses of the CSBM process, potential improvements, and threats to its continuity. The study reflects on the agreement's effectiveness during the ongoing military crisis in Ukraine and considers how its modernization and effectiveness may depend on future European security scenarios. Lastly, it questions whether the 'cyberisation' of the CSBMs is necessary to maintain their effectiveness in the current security environment.
