Why Is It Time to Reconsider the Creation of a European Army?

---

With ongoing global security crises—from Ukraine to the Middle East—questions about Europe’s ability to protect itself without relying on the United States are becoming more pressing. It has become clear that American security guarantees are no longer as reliable as before, making the creation of a joint European army not just a strategic necessity, but an imperative.

This idea first emerged during the Cold War but lost momentum due to American opposition and NATO commitments.

Today, as security challenges intensify and U.S. commitment wanes, Europe faces a critical test: either build an independent defense force or remain hostage to American decisions.

• French Authorities Continue Their Fight Against the Muslim Brotherhood: What’s New?

• After America: Is it Time to Transform NATO into a European Organization?

The concept of a European army re-emerged in the 1990s with the formation of the European Union, but it again lost traction due to U.S. opposition and NATO’s dominant role.

Despite the idea’s strategic logic, it was never considered a practical option. However, with the weakening of U.S. security guarantees, it has resurfaced as an existential necessity for Europe in an increasingly volatile world.

A Legacy of Fragmentation: Why Has Europe Failed Militarily?

For decades, Europe has heavily relied on the United States for its security—whether through the U.S. nuclear umbrella or NATO, which has remained the continent’s primary defense structure.

• Discover the 10 Most Powerful Armies in Europe: The United Kingdom in First Place

• Europe’s Decisive Test: 10 Steps to Navigate without the American Captain

However, this excessive dependence has become a strategic weakness, especially in light of recent geopolitical shifts.

According to reports, Europe suffers from historical “defense fragmentation.” On paper, the continent has nearly two million military personnel and spends approximately $338 billion annually on defense.

Yet, these armies are designed to serve narrow national interests rather than defend the bloc as a whole. Even NATO—largely controlled by Washington—has not solved this fragmentation; instead, it has reinforced Europe’s dependence on American leadership.

• The Future of the British Army: Costly Modernization or Looming Threats?

• Germany Prepares for a World War… “Protective Trenches” Linked to an Electronic “Fingerprint”

Urgent Steps to Address Security Threats

In the short term, Europe must address critical deficiencies in its military capabilities. There is an urgent need to increase ammunition production and enhance the interoperability of European armies. This may require interim solutions, such as unified training programs and better coordination of joint operations among national forces.

Developing a Joint European Force

In the long term, Europe must establish a joint European defense force capable of responding to external threats. However, instead of creating a fully unified European army, the likely solution would be a hybrid force composed of the following elements:

• European countries pledge to enforce ICC warrants against Netanyahu

• Europe’s Decisive Test: 10 Steps to Navigate without the American Captain

Major National Armies as the Backbone

The large national armies—such as those of France, Germany, Poland, and potentially the United Kingdom—along with the Baltic states and Finland, would remain the core of European defense. The key objective should be greater integration among these forces through standardized equipment and joint military training.

Establishing a Permanent European Force

The European Union must create a joint force that does not belong to any single nation but operates under a collective European command. This force could be similar to the rapid reaction force proposed by Tony Blair and Jacques Chirac in 1998, but with a focus on defending Europe rather than overseas interventions.

• January 13: Iranian-European Talks on the Nuclear File in Geneva

• Europe Turns to the Far Right: 2024, the Year of Empowerment

This force should be permanent, not just a rotational unit shared between states. The EU could recruit personnel from across the continent, offering competitive salaries to attract young people from underdeveloped regions. It could even grant European citizenship to recruits from candidate countries such as those in the Balkans.

Restructuring Small National Armies

Many European countries maintain small military forces with limited combat capabilities. These nations should be encouraged to integrate their forces into the joint European defense structure rather than continuing to fund separate national armies.

• Ukraine’s Bell Rings across Europe: Cooperation to Build a Defense Industrial Base

• Analysts reveal the danger of Muslim Brotherhood expansion in European Societies

To incentivize participation, the EU could provide shared financial resources to support this collective force, rather than forcing smaller states to increase their own military spending.

Creating a Unified European Military Command

The EU needs a centralized military command to coordinate operations among different European forces. This headquarters could be embedded within the existing EU structures and gradually integrated with NATO to prevent duplication of efforts.

• How did political Islamic movements contribute to the rise of the far right in Europe?

• Slovenia Becomes Fourth European Country to Recognize Palestine Amid Gaza War

Developing Joint Defense Capabilities

Europe must create unified systems for military transport, aerial refueling, intelligence gathering, and command-and-control structures instead of relying on the United States for these critical functions. These capabilities could be financed collectively through a unified EU defense budget.

Potential Challenges and Obstacles

Despite the clear benefits of a joint European defense force, several political and administrative challenges must be addressed:

• European Concerns Over Russian Plans to Establish a Naval Base in Libya

• The Efforts of the Muslim Brotherhood to Gain Control of European Capitals

Who Will Control This Force?

The President of the European Commission or the President of the European Council may not be the ideal Supreme Commander of this military force. However, since the force is intended purely for European defense rather than foreign interventions, it could be placed under the supervision of the European Council—similar to how current EU peacekeeping forces are managed.

Additionally, there is the “German dilemma”: Germany’s constitution restricts the deployment of its military abroad except within NATO operations.

• Macron shouts in the face of “cowards”.. and Europeans seek a path “without America”

• One of the key religious leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood in Germany and Europe… What do you know about Taha Sulaiman Amer?

Would a Treaty Change Be Necessary?

A revision of EU treaties may not be required, as the existing legal framework does not explicitly prohibit the formation of a European defense force. The EU could use the same legal foundations that enabled the creation of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex).

What about Neutral Countries?

Some nations, such as Ireland, Austria, and Malta, consider themselves neutral. Solutions could be found for these countries, such as allowing them to contribute financially instead of participating directly in military operations.

• The Umbrella Organization of the Muslim Brotherhood… What Do You Know About the Federation of Islamic Organizations in Europe?

• Joint International Operation Arresting Far-Right Extremists in Europe… Details

Ultimately, the report concludes that the debate is no longer about choosing between “military independence” or “dependence on America.” Rather, Europe must decide between “survival” or “decline” in a new world order dominated by global superpowers. Perhaps the Ukraine crisis will serve as the wake-up call Brussels needs to turn this looming disaster into an opportunity.