Does Europe need its Army? Discussions heat after Trump's statement
Donald Trump's words on encouraging Russia to attack NATO members sparked anxiety in Europe. How They'll deal with it, and what does it mean for NATO?
Feb 14, 2024 | updated: 6:46 AM EST, February 15, 2024
EU Army in the making?
It was January 7th when Italy Foreign Minister called for formation of so called EU Army, firstly it dindt bring a lot of attention aside of calls for respecting NATO, but could he see what was about to happen.
"If we want to be peacekeepers in the world, we need a European military. And this is a fundamental precondition to be able to have an effective European foreign policy," he said in an interview published on Sunday." Antonio Tajani then said to La Stampa journalist.
Of course talks about strenghtening Europes defence gained momentum when Russia invaded Ukraine two years ago. But never they' ve been so loud as they' re now.
"Only military might will win Europe respect"
Nor Donald Tusk, the prime minister of Poland, nor the leaders of Germany and France once mentioned Trump's name at their meeting, but the afterglow of his words could be seen all over them.
While Ukraine is still at war with Russia, the EU sees the conflict as critical for the stability of the whole region. Donald Tusk gave us an inside look at how Europe feels about the war when he addressed directly the Senators of America, saying that Ronald Reagan was turning in his grave seeing the Senate not passing the help bill for Ukraine.
Is EU really not meeting the target? NATO chief reveals
"NATO's European states would invest a combined total of $380 billion in defence this year, taking their spending as a whole to an estimated 2% of GDP in 2024 compared to 1.85% in 2023, NATO Secretary-General" Said General Stoltenberg quoted by Reuters agency
Looking at each country seperatly things arent so smooth, only 18 out of 31 countries would meet the 2% barrier, while its still 7 more than last years estimations We still see 13 Countries not doing what they agreed to do.
Worth highlighting is a fact, that for the first time since the end of Cold War Germany will be seen across the countries meeting the 2% GPD target
The fear that Europeans countries feel is bigger, since the countries close to Russia, even tho theyre meeting the targets wouldt be safe if Russia were to invade any other EU state. Like there's no way to Oklahoma from Mexico without Texas, there's no way From Russia to France without Poland and Germany on a way.
Sources: Reuters; NYTIMES; PAP
