EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius is calling on the European Union to establish a standing military force of 100,000 troops and overhaul the defence decision processes. He also believes the U.K. should become part of this.
Faced with Russian aggression and the US shifting its focus away from Europe, along with threatening Greenland, the Defence Commissioner argued for a “big bang” approach to re-imagining Europe’s common defence.
Kubilius said Europe’s defence readiness depends on three pillars: more investment in production capacity; institutions that are prepared and organized; and the political will to deter and, if needed, fight.
Merely increasing funding for Europe’s existing defense setup won’t meet these requirements, he said, in part because of a lack of unity.
To help solve the issue of political will, Kubilius wants to establish a European Security Council that should also include the United Kingdom.
Source:
Joe Stanley-Smith, Politico: EU may need 100,000-strong army, says defence commissioner https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-needs-100000-strong-army-defense-commissioner-andrius-kubilius-military-overhaul/