EU foreign policy chief rejects Zelenskyy's call for a European army
Photo: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas (wikimedia)
The EU has responded to the idea of creating unified European armed forces. Officials believe that parallel structures would only hinder the effective functioning of existing armies and NATO, says EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, quoted by Radio Liberty.
In military affairs, the key factor is a clear structure and hierarchy, she says.
“Every European country has an army. And 23 countries' armies are also part of NATO structure. So I can't imagine the countries will create a separate European army. So it has to be the armies that already exist. So we need to see how it works in practice,” Kallas said.
In her view, the emergence of a separate European army would create confusion in command.
She added that if something happens, it must be clear who gives orders to whom. And in difficult times, orders may simply get lost, Kallas explained.
What Zelenskyy proposed
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed to partners the creation of European Armed Forces numbering 3 million troops.
The initiative to create a unified European army belongs to Ukraine. It is not a competition with NATO or the United States, but a strategic need for the continent to have its own powerful force.
According to Politico, European leaders are already considering creating a new military alliance, in which Ukraine could become the foundation, thanks to its combat experience. However, the main challenge remains the funding and unified command.
The discussion was prompted by threats from US President Donald Trump around trade tariffs and changes in US policy.
Trump announced the introduction of tariffs against allies, accusing them of attempting to prevent the United States from establishing control over Greenland.
This move became a signal for European leaders to act, forcing them to seriously discuss the creation of their own military alliance and the strengthening of autonomous defense.
