Following the endorsement of the idea to create a rapid response force by the Presidents of the Parliaments of EU countries during their meeting in Spain last month, Foreign Affairs Coordinator Josep Borrell announced that the EU has indeed decided to launch the rapid deployment forces next year, consisting of 5,000 soldiers. He added that this is a joint force, but it does not mean the creation of a European army. He stressed that the term "European army" is completely inaccurate.
Borrell confirmed that discussions can take place regarding the details and the common steps between European countries to equip themselves with joint military capabilities. This announcement followed the statement from the Presidents of the Parliaments last month indicating that the EU's initiative regarding its military tool, aimed at ensuring the protection of the security of its citizens, interests, and democratic values, is of particular importance. They emphasized the necessity of having around 5,000 soldiers for rapid deployment in case of any type of crisis.
The Presidents of the Parliaments also noted in the document that the EU has already developed several missions and operations aimed at stabilizing the situation in neighboring countries and regions. It is worth mentioning that the idea of creating a unified European army has been proposed for at least the past ten years. The issue gained more significance during the tenure of Donald Trump as U.S. president, when he made it clear that his country was no longer prepared to provide a "defensive umbrella" for Europe within NATO. In November 2023, the EU Commissioner for Foreign Policy announced that the EU will elevate the rapid response force of 5,000 military personnel to full operational readiness by 2025.
