A new cross-party alliance of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) has called for the swift creation of a European defence union as Europe celebrates Europe Day on Saturday.
In a statement signed by lawmakers from across the political divide, including Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Michael Gahler and Tobias Cremer, the group warned that depending entirely on the United States for Europe’s security is a risky strategy.
The lawmakers said Europe needs independent structures that would allow member states to respond to emergencies even without the U.S.-led NATO. Proposed measures include joint command systems and a rapid-response force.
According to the alliance, EU governments have expressed support for stronger military capabilities but lack the political will to move beyond national interests, particularly in joint defence procurement. They argued that coordinated purchasing of military equipment could save up to €100 billion annually.
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While the declaration avoided direct reference to nuclear deterrence, German MEP Lukas Sieper said the alliance would later address the sensitive issue. He stated that although nuclear weapons should ultimately be eliminated worldwide, Europe may still need its own deterrent as long as hostile powers possess such arms. He added that an EU-controlled system would be preferable to one managed by a single member state.
Europe Day marks the anniversary of the 1950 Schuman Declaration, when French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman proposed pooling coal and steel production to prevent future wars, a move widely regarded as the foundation of modern European integration and the precursor to today’s European Union.
