MEP warns against trying to replace NATO

Today, NATO’s multinational battlegroups on the eastern flank are being reinforced to brigade level, and some allies are moving to permanent deployment in the region. For the first time since the days of the Cold War, specific national forces are pre-assigned to defend defined geographic areas. The United States’ National Defense Strategy makes it clear that Washington still aims to provide critical support to Europe, albeit in a more limited way than before, underscoring the need of Europe to bear a greater burden.

The idea that an EU army could be a replacement for NATO has been rejected by experts due to its lack of strategic credibility. Such an army would lack the unique operational capabilities of the United States and the enormous deterrent effect resulting from the American commitment. In addition, there is skepticism about the credibility of certain allies within the Union, such as France, which left NATO’s military structures for 43 years, between 1966 for 2009.

The years between 2004 and 2014 are described as the “years of the locust”, in which European countries turned a blind eye to the massive increase in Russia’s military spending and continued to reduce their capabilities. Regional conflicts in Bosnia, Kosovo and Libya exposed the continent’s military limitations and increased tension with Washington. Moscow’s consistent goal remains the dismantling of the transatlantic alliance and the separation of the United States from Europe, leaving the continent vulnerable to Russian interference.

The current danger is distraction through bureaucratic structures instead of upgrading combat capabilities. British involvement in an EU military project is considered the wrong course, as it often involves strategic allies such as Turkey, Canada, Iceland and Norway. The correct and safest approach is to strengthen the European component within the framework of NATO, while introducing forces adapted to warfare in the 21st century. This step will ensure the continuation of the American commitment and provide real protection to the citizens of Europe.