Brussels – The wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, tensions in the Red Sea with Houthi attacks, possible U.S. disengagement (especially in the event of Donald Trump again in the White House), and the Chinese threat have prompted the European Union to question the state of its defence. EU countries have not known war within their borders since the end of World War II, but the current geopolitical situation is prompting them to reconsider their defence systems and mechanisms.
On the eve of the vote for the next European Parliament (June 6-9), parties have presented their programs (except ID: identity and democracy). In each of these, the themes of defence and funding for the sector play an important part. The recipes and expectations for the next legislature are, of course, different depending on the party. One fact, however, emerges from all the programs: peace is in danger and must be protected.
The way to the European army of the European People’s Party (EPP)
A strong Europe cannot go without a secure Europe. For the Populars, NATO remains a key alliance for ensuring the peace and security of member countries, and, as was the case for Sweden and Finland, the party advocates future enlargements. Reflection on European defence, however, cannot be completely derogated from the Atlantic Pact: the European Parliament, as can be read in the EPP manifesto, has already taken the first steps toward a new common defence policy. In this direction, the EU has financed programs to strengthen the European defence industry.
This is but a first step, however, toward the goal of creating a European army. The Populars have set out a three-point road map to achieve a European military force that meets NATO standards and can supplement the forces of individual states when needed. With this in mind, the first step concerns the procurement of common equipment, preferably from European industries, that can be interchangeable among the armed forces of individual member states. In addition, the EU should invest in defence 2.0 programs to be able to respond to challenges from the web and in the area of cybersecurity.
Another important step for the EPP is the establishment of a defence and security commissioner. This new post’s task should be to better coordinate national ministers with a view to a better organization among states and standardization of defence systems. In addition, provisions should be made to create a dedicated security budget within the multiannual financial framework (MFF). Having completed these steps, Europe, according to the People’s Party, should be ready for the birth of its own army. The new armed force would coordinate with NATO and individual country forces and should have a rapid deployment capability in case of need.
International cooperation for socialists is crucial
On defence, the first step for the European Socialists (PES) is to strengthen the industrial production sector through targeted investments. Unifying and producing its own war equipment would be a significant step forward for the Union. NATO remains a reliable partner and, according to the Socialists’ manifesto, greater coordination between the Atlantic Pact troops and those of member states should be encouraged.
Socialists welcome the path taken to increase investment in European defence industries. However, economic aid should not stop; rather, it should be implemented: we need smarter spending with European procurement processes, as well as improved military mobility. The EU’s quest for strategic autonomy does not mean that Europe acts alone. A stronger EU security and defence is equivalent to having a stronger NATO. The socialists, however, do not address the issue of a European army.
Not only that, the Socialists also look beyond the EU’s borders: “The Union’s autonomous capacity to carry out missions around the world that contribute to global peace and security must be further strengthened, particularly in the context of conflict prevention, mediation, and peacebuilding operations.”
Renew: defence, defence, defence
For liberals, it is like a mantra, so much so that “defence, defence, defence” is also the headline with which the list of ten election priorities opens. Renew reminds us, “Peace among Europeans is the EU’s greatest achievement and the cornerstone of our prosperity.” This is precisely why the EU must be collectively prepared to protect peace on the continent. The creation of a European army is not explicit in the text, but it can be read between the lines, “We must strengthen the defence of the Union so that both NATO and Europe are strengthened.” According to Renew, investing more in European production is crucial to achieve these goals. The manifesto points out how investment in the defence sector will bring jobs to the EU and subsequent economic growth.
For the Greens, a stronger Europe is a decarbonized Europe
The Greens argue that the strength of the EU, beyond keeping the peace, must be seen in its ability to lead the ecological transition. In the manifesto, it emerges that: “Peace, prosperity and sustainability go hand in hand. The world cannot have one while ignoring another.” For the Greens, the EU must be able to defend its values of democracy and equality in the challenge of authoritarian regimes.
The EU must dialogue on international tables to ensure stability and security. With this in mind, the green transition offers the EU an opportunity to be the model for other countries in decarbonization and the pursuit of peace. The Greens argue that “Europe’s green transition is both a geopolitical tool and a global responsibility.” Thus, “climate diplomacy and cooperation on green technologies and investments are critical to how we deal with the world.”
ECR: Yes to more investment, but no to a joint army
For ECR, the Eurogroup of Conservatives and Reformists, the first step to revitalizing the European defence system is financing companies in the sector to produce in the EU. The invasion war waged by Russia on Ukraine, as their manifesto reads, requires the Union to continue supplying war material to Kyiv. That is why it is necessary to reinforce cooperation with NATO and push countries to spend more on defence.
At the same time, according to the ECR, a European army is an unnecessary reform that would bring more harm than good: the armed forces of the twenty-seven countries have their own specificities and tying them to a single model would not bring any benefit. According to conservatives, NATO is sufficient as a security guarantee. What EU countries can do is invest more in military research and guard their borders more to prevent terrorist infiltration.
For the Left, the goal is to stop Europe’s arms race
The European Left party condemns Russian aggression on Ukraine and fully supports the Israeli left in calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. In addition, in their manifesto for the upcoming elections, the need to stop rearmament in Europe is reiterated. The Left speaks out against any enlargement of NATO, which is read as further causing friction in the world and not helping the quest for peace. In 2025, the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Conference on Security and Cooperation (OSCE) will be held, and this occasion should serve as a reminder and revival of the concept of common European security based on dialogue.
Security must be based, according to the Left, on peace and not on weapons. The party specifically calls for the resolution of “sleeping” conflicts present in Europe, such as the reunion of the Irish people out of British imperialism and the withdrawal of the Turkish occupier from northern Cyprus. Finally, it calls for reducing the spread of weapons of mass destruction and diminishing the percentage of GDP states spend on armaments.
