Brussels – There is no change in stance on the European military union. “There is no plan on setting up a European army.” On the issue, Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius is crystal clear. The current College of Commissioners has no plan of changing a line that holds true to the political agenda dictated by Ursula von der Leyen in her earlier term. Today, as in the previous legislature, a European army is not something they intend to work on.
“Any reinforcement of the Member States’ defense capabilities contributes to the effectiveness of the Member States’ armed forces and to NATO’s reinforcement,” Kubilius again clarifies in response to a parliamentary question coming from the benches of the EPP, which highlights the possibility of a European reconsideration in light of the Russian war in Ukraine.
The only rethinking in security and defense concerns the industrial sector. There are no plans to create a joint army but to revitalize an entire industry. On this, too, Kubilius wants to be clear: “The Commission supports initiatives to strengthen EU defense readiness and notably acts in support of the competitiveness of the EU’s defense industry.”
The debate on the European army thus resurfaces once again, as part of a long-standing history of those who advocate such a move and those who oppose it. European army advocates included Silvio Berlusconi and before him, the former president of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker had tried convincing governments. All attempts to revive a debate have punctually been abandoned.
English version by the Translation Service of Withub
