

The idea of a European force
Feb 17, 2025
Leila Malana-Allen, Monocle's Middle East correspondent, dives into the delicate dynamics of the Gaza ceasefire talks against a backdrop of military tensions. The conversation highlights the implications of U.S. bomb shipments to Israel, stirring debates on international law. Meanwhile, the discussion shifts towards Europe's response to geopolitical challenges, particularly in light of Russia's actions and the concept of a unified European military force. It’s a compelling exploration of contemporary conflicts and their broader ramifications.
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Europe's Wake-Up Call
- Europe has faced numerous wake-up calls regarding Russia and the US.
- The latest involves US Vice President J.D. Vance's address at the Munich Security Conference and subsequent diplomatic moves.
Paris Meeting and European Role
- The Paris meeting aims for a cohesive response to the Trump administration's Riyadh negotiations on Ukraine.
- Europe seeks to define its role given Lavrov's statement excluding them from negotiations.
Macron's Proposal for EU Defense
- Macron suggests revising EU spending rules to allow exceptions for defense, similar to the COVID response.
- He proposes joint borrowing for defense investments, reducing reliance on the US.