Khaberni - The EU Commissioner for Defence, Andrius Kubilius, urged the bloc's countries today, Sunday, to consider forming a joint military force that could replace the American forces deployed in the continent.
Kubilius proposed the idea of creating a "permanent and strong European military force consisting of one hundred thousand soldiers" as a possible option to better protect the continent.
100,000 soldiers
He asked in a speech given in Sweden "How will we replace the permanent American military force of one hundred thousand soldiers, which forms the backbone of military power in Europe?"
Kubilius, the former Lithuanian Prime Minister, also said, "In times like these, we should not shy away from the most pressing questions related to our defense readiness."
"European Security Council"
He called for the establishment of a "European Security Council" that includes the main powers, with the potential to include Britain, which could play a role in making decisions regarding defense, with its mission being "to discuss the most important issues at the defense level."
He added that the focus of such an entity should primarily be on trying to change the dynamics of the war in Ukraine to ensure that Kyiv does not lose it.
This comes at a time when the countries part of NATO are increasingly doubting their reliance on Washington, amidst President Donald Trump's insistence on annexing the autonomously governed Danish territory of Greenland.
The concerns about Trump's commitment to Europe have led several countries on the continent to intensify their efforts to strengthen their armies in the face of the threat posed by Russia.
Ideas about creating a centralized European army have been put forth for years, but they do not enjoy great support due to countries' suspicions about relinquishing command of their armies.
Meanwhile, Washington is pushing its European allies to take greater responsibility for their security and has hinted at the possibility of moving its forces from Europe to focus on China.
