What's happened
European leaders dismiss the idea of a separate European army amid tensions over NATO and US threats to Greenland. They emphasize NATO's chain of command and U.S. support as vital for European security, rejecting calls for a new military structure. The debate highlights ongoing transatlantic tensions.
What's behind the headline?
The renewed debate over a European army exposes fundamental disagreements about NATO's future and European strategic autonomy. Leaders like Estonia's Kallas argue that creating a separate European military would complicate the chain of command, risking dangerous gaps during crises. NATO's reliance on U.S. military power is underscored by Secretary-General Rutte, who states Europe cannot defend itself without U.S. support, and that doubling military spending is necessary. The tension is driven by Trump's aggressive posture, including threats to Greenland, which many see as a test of NATO unity. While some European nations oppose a separate army, the debate reveals a broader struggle over sovereignty and reliance on U.S. military dominance. The risk is that continued U.S. pressure and internal disagreements could weaken NATO's cohesion, potentially leaving Europe less secure if U.S. support diminishes. The next steps will likely involve increased military spending and efforts to reinforce NATO's integrated command, but the underlying tensions over strategic independence will persist, shaping European defense policy for years to come.
What the papers say
The AP News article highlights European leaders' rejection of a European army, emphasizing NATO's chain of command and U.S. support as crucial for security. AP quotes Estonia's Kallas warning against creating a separate army, and Norway's Prime Minister Støre affirming NATO's decision-making process. NATO Secretary-General Rutte underscores Europe's dependence on U.S. military power, calling for increased spending. The Independent echoes these points, with Kallas warning that a European army would be 'extremely dangerous,' and Støre dismissing the idea entirely. Politico provides insight into U.S.-Europe relations, noting that President Trump's threats have tested NATO unity, with diplomats concerned about emboldening Trump and risking alliance cohesion. The article also quotes former NATO deputy Sir Richard Shirreff, who warns that Trump's threats to Greenland are serious and not mere bluster, emphasizing the potential for escalation. Overall, the sources depict a consensus among European leaders and NATO officials that U.S. support remains indispensable, and that efforts to create a European army are unlikely to succeed or be beneficial at this stage.
How we got here
The discussion about a European army has resurfaced amid recent tensions within NATO, especially following US President Trump's threats to annex Greenland, a territory of Denmark. European leaders, including Norway's Prime Minister and NATO officials, stress the importance of NATO's integrated command and U.S. military support for European security. NATO's structure, with a U.S. Supreme Allied Commander, remains central to decision-making, and calls for a European army are seen as potentially destabilizing.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Does Europe Reject the Idea of a European Army?
European leaders have consistently dismissed the idea of forming a separate European army, emphasizing the importance of NATO and U.S. support for their security. This stance stems from concerns over sovereignty, the effectiveness of NATO's existing structure, and the potential risks of creating a new military entity. But what are the main reasons behind this rejection, and what does it mean for Europe's security? Below, we explore common questions about Europe's stance on military alliances and what the future might hold.
More on these topics
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The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental military alliance between 30 North American and European countries.
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Mark Rutte is a Dutch politician serving as Prime Minister of the Netherlands since 2010 and Leader of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy since 2006.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Kaja Kallas is an Estonian politician and the prime minister of Estonia since 26 January 2021. She has been the leader of the Reform Party since 2018, and a member of Riigikogu since 2019, and previously from 2011 to 2014.