Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has made a significant proposal regarding the future of European defense, suggesting that the European Union should have its own army. He stated this in an interview with La Stampa.
This idea, first proposed as early as 1950, has gained traction in recent times, especially following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The invasion has brought defense issues to the forefront, shifting public opinion and leading to NATO's expansion.
Tajani emphasized that the proposed EU army's role would focus on peacekeeping, monitoring, and deterrence, rather than war. He underscored the necessity of a European army to be effective in global peace efforts and to have a strong European foreign policy.
Support for this idea has been growing across Europe.
A YouGov poll conducted in May 2022 revealed increasing support among European countries for the creation of a common EU army. The poll, which surveyed 17 countries, found that all but three countries showed an increase in support compared to 2021.
This movement towards a unified European military force reflects a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape and indicates a growing consensus on the need for collective defense and security measures in the face of global threats.
