Audio Briefs Why It’s Time to Reconsider a European Army
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Feb 28, 2025 Max Bergmann, a CSIS expert and author, dives into the provocative idea of a unified European army. He traces its historical roots and discusses the current challenges facing this concept. With shifting global dynamics, he emphasizes the urgent need for a cohesive defense strategy. The conversation also highlights Article 42.7 of the EU Treaty, examining its significance for member states facing armed aggression and advocating for an independent defense capability, especially in the context of neutral countries.
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History of European Army Concept
- The idea of a European army has been discussed since the Cold War, even almost launching as a military project.
- U.S. opposition and commitment to NATO hindered its development in the 1990s.
Impracticality of Separate Armies
- Defending Europe as distinct nations without the U.S. is impractical.
- Revisiting a unified European army concept is necessary.
European Army as a Derisive Term
- The term "European army" became a derisive term, hindering EU defense proposals.
- Ulrike Franke described it as the "ghost" in European defense debates.