European Army

12.3.2015

Question for written answer E-004092-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Miguel Viegas (GUE/NGL) , Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL) , João Ferreira (GUE/NGL)

According to public statements by Jean-Claude Juncker, the European Union needs to have its own army to face Russia and other threats and, also, to renew its foreign policy.

Juncker argues that a common European army will serve to send important signals to the world, since NATO may not be sufficient, in that not all its members belong to the EU. To quote statements made by the President of the European Commission: ‘A joint EU army would show the world that there would never again be a war between European countries. Such an army would also help us to form common foreign and security policies and allow Europe to take on responsibility in the world.’

These damaging assertions come at a time when calls should prevail for a cease-fire and a political solution between the parties in conflict in Ukraine.

I would like to ask the European Commission if this is its idea of foreign policy, where force of arms overrides dialogue and the search for political solutions.

I would also like to ask the European Commission, taking its powers into account, what consequences in practical terms its President’s statements will have.