Former US President Donald Trump’s recent comments have reignited discussions about the formation of a European mega-army, with calls for increased collaboration among EU member states in the face of potential NATO uncertainties.
Trump’s remarks, made at a rally in South Carolina, have sparked concerns about the reliability of the United States’ commitment to its NATO allies.
The resurrection of the Weimar Triangle, a diplomatic format involving France, Germany, and Poland, reflects the urgency of the situation. This alliance, once put on hold under former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, has been revived under the current leadership of Donald Tusk.
The foreign ministers of these countries are set to discuss crucial matters such as the ongoing war in Ukraine and strategies to bolster the European defence industry.
France is expected to propose the idea of defence eurobonds, a concept involving joint borrowing to finance defence projects. However, the question of leadership within such meetings looms large.
Czech MEP Mikuláš Peksa has also actively called for the establishment of a European army.
He said: “Europe needs its own army. Donald Trump’s protection cannot be relied upon.”
Peksa envisions financing the joint army from the EU’s budget chapter, falling under the European Parliament’s competence. This approach, he argues, would alleviate concerns about garnering support from various national parliaments for defence spending.
Trump’s remarks in South Carolina, where he suggested not automatically intervening to help NATO allies, have alarmed many.
He even said: “I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want,” referring to Russia. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg expressed deep concern, emphasising that any suggestion of allies not defending each other undermines global security and puts both American and European soldiers at increased risk.
Poland, particularly sensitive to the threat of Russian aggression, voiced anxieties over the potential lack of US solidarity with NATO countries. Prime Minister Donald Tusk stressed the changing geopolitical landscape and the necessity for the EU to stand tall in defence matters.
