European leaders like Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez have expressed support for the idea of a European army to ensure lasting peace on the continent. Sánchez believes that creating EU armed forces with troops from all 27 member countries working under a single flag would help strengthen the union. The proposal aims to boost the interoperability of military systems, weapons, and forces, as well as establish a joint command structure for better coordination. Despite Europe having 1.47 million active-duty military personnel, the Russian presence in Ukraine had reached 700,000 troops by the end of 2024, highlighting the need for increased defense capabilities.
In the long term, the goal is not for Europe to replace the US military one-for-one, but to build a common European force capable of acting as one to defend the continent, according to experts. However, there is reluctance in Brussels to reignite the conversation about creating a European army, with EU officials emphasizing that defense remains a national prerogative. Instead, current discussions are focused on integrating Ukraine into the EU’s defense market and enhancing military readiness in response to potential Russian aggression, which some intelligence agencies predict could occur within five years.
The fragmentation of Europe’s defense capabilities, with 172 different types of major weapons systems compared to just 32 in the US, has raised concerns about interoperability and efficiency. While 23 out of 27 EU countries currently fall under NATO’s security umbrella, the US is urging its allies to increase their military capability targets by 30% and boost defense spending to at least 3% of GDP. EU officials stress that the aim is to support NATO and its European members in meeting shared defense objectives, rather than competing with the alliance.
To serve as a credible deterrent in the absence of US support, experts estimate that a European army would need additional tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, artillery pieces, troops, drones, and increased defense spending. Dr. Alexandr Burilkov, co-author of the Bruegel analysis, suggests that achieving military parity with Russia would help maintain deterrence without necessarily relying on nuclear capabilities. The challenges of creating a European army include the need for significant investments in equipment, personnel, and infrastructure, as well as ensuring interoperability among the various national armies.
While calls for a European army have been made by various leaders, EU officials remain cautious about the idea, emphasizing the importance of national sovereignty and coordination among existing armed forces. The current focus is on enhancing defense integration and readiness to address potential security threats, particularly from Russia. The balancing act between strengthening European defense capabilities and supporting NATO’s collective security efforts continues to be a topic of discussion among European leaders and policymakers as they navigate the evolving security landscape in the region.
Ultimately, the debate around a European army reflects broader discussions about the future of European defense cooperation and the continent’s role in global security. As geopolitical dynamics shift and new threats emerge, the question of how to enhance defense capabilities, improve coordination among European militaries, and ensure a credible deterrent against potential adversaries remains a significant challenge. The path forward for European leaders involves balancing national interests, collective security needs, and evolving defense priorities to strengthen the continent’s resilience and ability to respond effectively to security threats.
