NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg spoke out against the creation of a unified European army, since, in his opinion, it would duplicate the functions of the alliance.
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“I welcome… an increase in EU defense spending, but the EU cannot replace NATO. NATO’s European partners account for 20% of the alliance’s total defense spending,” Stoltenberg said, noting that 80% of the alliance’s defense spending goes to countries outside EU.
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Stoltenberg added that NATO should be the main command structure. The Secretary General expressed the hope that the EU will work to overcome the “fragmentation” of the European defense industry.
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“We must take into account the risks… If there are alternative command structures created by the same countries, then there will be duplication (of NATO functions) ,” said the NATO Secretary General.
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In March, EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Josep Borrell called the idea of disbanding the armed forces of 27 EU member states in order to create a single pan-European army unrealistic.
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In January, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said that the European Union should form its own armed forces that could play a role in maintaining peace and preventing conflicts.
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The European Commission on March 5 tabled a legislative proposal for a new EU defense industry strategy that includes ramping up weapons production and closer cooperation among member states. The strategy aims to “create a culture of constant preparedness (for crisis situations) in the defense industry” through the consolidation of demand, continuous assessment of needs and available capabilities in member countries.
