A growing disconnect in US foreign and security policy is fueling a renewed push within the Christian Social Union (CSU) – a powerful Bavarian political party – for the establishment of a European army. The proposal, set to be debated at the CSU’s upcoming party conference in Munich and reported by Politico, signals a significant shift in perspective regarding European security independence.
The initiative, spearheaded by prominent figures within the European People’s Party (EVP) including Manfred Weber, former CSU chairman Theo Waigel, Erwin Huber and Christian Doleschal, argues that the evolving stance of the United States necessitates a fundamental reassessment of Europe’s defensive posture. The underlying message is stark: the traditional security umbrella provided by the US is no longer guaranteed.
The CSU proposal calls for a “coalition of the willing” – a group of European nations prepared to deepen defense integration. The explicit aim is to advance the harmonization and construction of shared European command structures, ultimately culminating in a formal European army, always operating in conjunction with and under the auspices of NATO.
Beyond merely meeting the current NATO goal of allocating five percent of economic output to defense, the CSU contends that significant increases in EU defense spending – potentially matching US investment levels – would necessitate a reciprocal level of European self-reliance. If European nations commit substantially to defense, the argument posits, citizens reasonably expect a demonstrated European capability to defend its own interests alongside its Western partners.
The proposal isn’t limited to military structure however. The CSU explicitly advocates for institutional reforms within the European Union to enhance its foreign policy effectiveness. Critically, the party calls for a move away from the current requirement for unanimous decisions on foreign policy matters, arguing that the existing system – where the “slowest” nation dictates the pace – cripples Europe’s ability to act decisively on the international stage. This demand highlights a growing frustration within the CSU regarding the often-cumbersome and reactive nature of EU foreign policy. The potential implications of these proposals could reshape the transatlantic relationship and significantly alter the trajectory of European strategic autonomy, prompting both internal debate and external scrutiny.