By John Q. Hosedrinker 
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares urged the EU to bolster its security through a “European army” to counter rising geopolitical pressures. He emphasized the need for a unified European defense strategy, including industry integration. Albares also addressed Spain’s cautious approach to the US-led “Board for Peace,” stressing adherence to international law and UN authority, while coordination with EU partners is ongoing. Furthermore, he condemned US pressure on Denmark over Greenland and reiterated Spain’s support for a negotiated solution in Venezuela and a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Read the original article here
EU must ‘move towards creating European army’, Spanish FM tells Euronews, and this proposition has ignited a passionate discussion, touching upon everything from defense spending and national sovereignty to the evolving role of the United States.
At its core, the call for a European army isn’t just about boosting military might; it’s a recognition of shifting geopolitical realities. The feeling is that the world is changing, and the dependable support from the US can’t be guaranteed, regardless of who is in power. There’s a clear sense that Europe needs to take more responsibility for its own defense. The Spanish FM’s comments tap into a broader sentiment that the EU needs to become a more significant player on the world stage, especially given the current global climate.
The immediate reaction to the proposal brings up the ever-present subject of money and spending. Concerns are raised about who will pay for this army. Some express doubt that member states will be willing to increase their military budgets significantly. However, it’s also pointed out that the issue isn’t always about the amount spent, but how that money is spent. The argument is that Europe already spends a considerable sum on defense, but the lack of standardization and integration means resources are often wasted on duplicate systems and fragmented supply chains.
The challenges of creating a truly integrated European army are complex. Issues of language barriers, differing military doctrines, and political alliances are raised, pointing out the hurdles in coordinating a multinational force effectively. Questions about command structure, control, and the potential for a European army to operate independently from NATO also surface. Some suggest that NATO already fulfills many of these functions. The integration of a second defense organization might just complicate matters.
The suggestion that the EU should act quickly and make decisions immediately is prominent. There is the belief that a rapid response force, capable of deploying wherever threats arise, is essential. The idea is to make the EU a more forceful player on the international scene, especially in matters of economic and political pressure, while also fostering a deeper sense of unity.
However, the question of Spain’s role in all of this is very significant. The proposal is framed by the criticisms of Spain’s past and present defense spending. There are claims of hesitancy, a reluctance to fully commit financially, and a tendency to deflect responsibility. Some see the call for a European army as a way for Spain to shift its own obligations onto others. They also question the motivations of the Spanish government.
The debate goes on to touch upon wider implications. The possibility that a unified European army could be perceived as a threat by Russia is also considered. This perspective emphasizes that the creation of such a force could be seen as a significant security shift, with implications for European security dynamics.
In the end, while the prospect of a European army is lauded by some, there are obvious obstacles. It is seen as a sign of Europe’s changing role in global politics and its pursuit of greater strategic autonomy. But the devil, as always, is in the details. The success of any such venture depends on the willingness of member states to overcome internal divisions, prioritize integration over national interests, and ultimately, create a true, unified European force.