By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Italy is advocating for a stronger European defense, with President Sergio Mattarella renewing calls for a common European army. This push for a unified defense force comes as Italy faces a diplomatic dispute with Russia, triggered by inflammatory remarks from a Russian official linking the collapse of a historic Italian structure to Rome’s support for Ukraine. Italy has responded with a formal protest, condemning the Russian rhetoric as offensive. Despite the diplomatic tension, Italy is continuing its support for Ukraine, with the 12th military aid package in the works.
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Italy’s push for an EU army is gaining traction, especially as the diplomatic rift between Rome and Moscow deepens. This isn’t just a sudden whim; the idea of a unified European military has been simmering for years, but escalating tensions with Russia seem to be providing the necessary political impetus to finally consider making it a reality. Some see this as a positive development, a crucial step towards greater European independence and security. However, there’s no shortage of skeptics who question whether such an undertaking could actually work in practice.
One of the central questions is: what exactly *is* an EU army supposed to be? Is it a complete merger of existing national armies, or a separate, multinational force that works alongside them? Or perhaps something entirely different? The specifics are crucial. Without a clear definition, it’s hard to move forward, and the debate is hampered by a lack of clarity. Those who support the idea need to clearly articulate its form and function so that people can debate the practical steps needed to bring it to life.
Another critical challenge is the inherent complexity of coordinating 27 member states, each with its own military traditions, priorities, and national interests. Imagine the logistical nightmare of standardizing equipment, training, and command structures. Even something as simple as choosing a common tank or rifle design could spark major disagreements. The variety of languages presents a significant barrier, and differing levels of military funding and objectives across the EU only complicate matters further.
Furthermore, there are concerns about decision-making processes. What happens when member states disagree on military strategies? What if a country’s leadership shifts to someone with different views on Russia, or on the role of the EU army? How quickly could the army respond to a crisis, and would it wait for full consensus before acting? And what about the very unlikely scenario of one EU country attacking another? These scenarios demand careful consideration and contingency planning.
A potential solution, and one that’s been discussed, is to create regional alliances within the EU framework. The UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), focused on deterring Russia in the North Sea, Baltic, and North Atlantic, serves as a model. A similar eastern alliance, led by Germany and Poland, could concentrate on defending against threats from the east. A southern alliance, spearheaded by France, Italy, and Spain, could focus on the Mediterranean, Africa, and the Red Sea, ensuring stability and protecting trade routes. Each alliance could then reinforce the others as needed, pooling resources and expertise while respecting regional priorities.
Of course, the image problem of the EU itself cannot be ignored. For many voters, the EU remains an abstract concept, a “black box” run by a “Brussels” they feel disconnected from. If the EU hopes to gain public support for its army, it needs to improve its public image, establish a clear narrative, and create recognizable figures to represent its mission.
The road ahead is undoubtedly difficult, and those are only the tip of the iceberg of the hurdles that must be overcome. A unified European army, if realized, would represent a significant shift in European defense. However, the path to achieving this goal is fraught with complexities, making it a monumental task that will take years, if not decades, to complete. The recent push by Italy reflects a growing sense of urgency, but the practical difficulties and political hurdles should not be underestimated.