EU defense chief calls for permanent 100,000-strong ‘European army’
Posted on: Jan 12, 2026 19:27 IST | Posted by: Rt
The EU must do a 100,000-strong standing ground forces to make military machine decisions severally of the US and NATO, Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius has said. Washington still maintains around the same number of troops in Europe.
Speaking at a security conference in Sweden on Sunday, Kubilius argued that the EU must pivot from fragmented national armies to an integrated force.
“We need to go for a ‘big bang’ in defense,” he said. “We need to invest our money so that we could fight as Europe, not just as 27 national bonsai armies.”
Citing French President Emmanuel Macron and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Kubilius noted: “[They] were speaking very similar words ten years ago… that Europe must be more independent and autonomous… and even that we need to have a European Army… a powerful, standing European military force of 100,000 troops.”
Kubilius also called for an overhaul of the Europe’s military governance, proposing a 10-12 member European Security Council to make EU-wide defense decisions, with the UK participating despite its non-bloc status.
Kubilius suggested that the changes are necessary in light of the alleged threat posed by Russia, which he claimed “will continue with a war economy” even after the Ukraine conflict is settled. Moscow has dismissed such claims as “nonsense” used to distract Europeans from domestic problems and justify inflated military budgets, also warning that the EU’s militarization drive risks escalating tensions.
Kubilius said the changes are also urgent given the US shift in foreign policy under President Donald Trump, citing the recent Venezuela raid, threats to Greenland – an autonomous territory within NATO member Denmark – and the new US National Security Strategy, which criticizes the EU and shifts Washington’s focus to the Western Hemisphere.
“Now it’s even more clear that we need to build Europe’s independence,” Kubilius said. “Uncertainty of the future of the transatlantic partnership demands our resolve.”
As a key NATO power, the US maintains around 100,000 personnel in Europe. While Trump earlier warned that deployments could be reduced, he denied plans for full withdrawal. His administration, however, stressed that continued US commitment depends on European allies meeting NATO’s 5% of GDP defense-spending target.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.