Former US President Donald Trump’s recent comments have reignited discussions about the formation of a European mega-army, with calls for increased collaboration among EU member states in the face of potential NATO uncertainties.
In a rally in South Carolina, Trump’s remarks have sparked concerns about the reliability of the United States’ commitment to its NATO allies. The Republican presidential front-runner’s suggestion of not automatically intervening to help NATO allies, stating, “I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want,” has alarmed many.
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Lord David Cameron, the first Cabinet minister to explicitly criticise Trump’s comments, expressed concerns about the impact on the alliance. Downing Street later insisted that the UK Prime Minister is confident the US will continue to be a dependable ally, regardless of who wins the country’s election later this year.
The Foreign Secretary’s strong support for NATO echoed during his visit to East Kilbride, Scotland, as he emphasised the alliance’s role in keeping the world safe, particularly in the face of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. He deemed NATO “more essential than ever” in the current dangerous and uncertain world and criticised Trump’s remarks as not a “sensible approach”.
The resurrection of the Weimar Triangle, a diplomatic format involving France, Germany, and Poland, reflects the urgency of the situation.
France is expected to propose the idea of defence eurobonds, involving joint borrowing to finance defence projects, in the upcoming discussions between the foreign ministers of these countries. However, the question of leadership within such meetings remains a crucial aspect.
Czech MEP Mikuláš Peksa actively called for the establishment of a European army, emphasising that “Europe needs its own army” as Trump’s protection cannot be relied upon. Peksa envisions financing the joint army from the EU’s budget chapter to alleviate concerns about garnering support from various national parliaments for defence spending.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg expressed deep concern, stressing that any suggestion of allies not defending each other undermines global security and puts both American and European soldiers at increased risk. Poland, particularly sensitive to the threat of Russian aggression, voiced anxieties over the potential lack of US solidarity with NATO countries. Prime Minister Donald Tusk stressed the changing geopolitical landscape and the necessity for the EU to stand tall in defence matters.
