(Washington Insider Magazine) -Talks are ongoing among EU member states about the possibility or need of a joint defense force that would be the first of its kind.
The EU’s Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) is the current mechanism through which the intergovernmental organization deploys military and civilian missions to defend EU interests and strengthen international security. However, the defense forces that fall under this control are not substantial enough to allow Europe to act on the international stage in the way many of its senior politicians would like.
The topic, which has been discussed with varying levels of intensity for decades, has been brought back into the limelight by the US’ recent rapid withdrawal from Afghanistan. The move highlighted how ill-prepared EU member states were to continue acting effectively without Washington’s support. It took only 5,000 troops to secure Kabul airport but the EU could not even offer that once US forces left. Concerns have been raised about European citizens left dangerously stranded in Afghanistan.
After four erratic years under Trump, many European liberals hoped that an ally more similar to that of the late-20th century would return with Biden in the Whitehouse. The lack of cooperation in the withdrawal has left many concerned however that America’s turn towards isolationism wasn’t just a one-term blip.
With the global balance of power shifting eastwards, hawkish politicians have expressed dismay in the relative lack of investment in defense throughout Europe. Many of these same conservative politicians also remain skeptical of an expanded EU force, which many perceive as a form of continental state-building.
Josep Borrell, the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs, recently said that there was a lack of autonomy from the US and the inability of the bloc to have any effect once Washington set its mind on withdrawal should be a “wake up call”.
Aside from the strong opposition from many member states that has been repeated over the years for reasons of national autonomy, the proposal would ask unprecedented logistical questions that would take years of preparation even if the member states could ever reach an agreement.
Borrell insisted that a force of only 5,000 would be enough to make up for the US change of stance. Sceptics have claimed he has understated his true aspirations. Reports of a desired 50,000 have circulated, although Borrell denied this on Thursday.
