The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, has opposed the creation of a separate European army, emphasizing that EU member states already have their own armed forces integrated into NATO structures.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Arguments Against a Parallel EU Army
Kallas expressed her position in Brussels ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, responding to the initiative of the President of Ukraine regarding the establishment of a European army with Ukrainian troops as its foundation. She stressed that each European country has its own army, and the armed forces of 23 of them are simultaneously part of NATO. In her view, the formation of a separate European army seems unlikely and could complicate defense management.
“Every European country has its own army, and the armies of 23 EU member states are also part of NATO structures. Therefore, I cannot imagine that countries would create a separate European army,” Kallas stated.
Kallas highlighted the importance of a clear and understandable chain of command in the military sphere. According to her, the creation of parallel structures could lead to blurred responsibilities, and orders in crisis situations might go unfulfilled due to confusion.
NATO’s Position and Reactions from European Politicians
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also did not support the idea of creating a separate European army, noting that such a step could weaken Europe’s security and be advantageous for Russia.
Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelensky noted on January 23 that the Ukrainian army, numbering one million, could serve as the foundation for European joint forces if Europe wishes to establish them. Zelensky has repeatedly supported this initiative, emphasizing that Kyiv has previously made similar proposals.
The European Commissioner for Defense and Space, Andrius Kubilius, on January 12, advocated for the establishment of a European Security Council in response to threats from the Russian Federation and in light of expectations that Europe will take on more responsibility for its own defense.
Last year, the European Commission presented the initiative “Rearming Europe/Readiness 2030,” which involves increasing defense spending and making significant investments in the European defense sector. As Kaja Kallas noted, the primary reason for this roadmap was the growing threat from Russia.