VP/HR — Need for the EU to create its own army
15.9.2016
Question for written answer E-006908-16
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Adam Szejnfeld (PPE)
In recent weeks, the German Government has, for the first time since the end of the Cold War, begun to recommend that its citizens store supplies of food and drinking water sufficient to survive for 10 days in the event of a serious crisis. The authorities are also considering creating a reliable alarm system, preparing the healthcare system for a crisis and developing a system of support for the Bundeswehr from civil institutions. Similar activities are also being considered by other European Union countries.
Clearly, the latest offensive actions by Russia, terrorist attacks, the ongoing migration and refugee crisis and the growth of far-right and extreme nationalist parties are causing alarm among European citizens. For the first time in decades we can sense a fear of regional or even global armed conflict.
Unfortunately, the European Union bases its security solely on the national armies of the Member States, but their constitutional obligations mean that they must put the security interests of their own country ahead of the Community interest. On the other hand, our security is guaranteed by NATO, but we must remember that NATO is a global organisation, not a European one, and that the situation outside Europe may have a significant impact on the deployment of allied armies.
I would therefore ask the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy whether the EU is not already in a situation in which it should establish its own army?