The Chairman of the EU Military Committee, General Robert Brieger, believes that Europe must take more responsibility for its own security.
“The United States has long expected Europe to invest more in defense and that has now gained a certain political intensity” Brieger told the TV channel “Welt”. In the context of the first diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine, Brieger thinks that European troops could be involved in a potential “peacekeeping force” to monitor a ceasefire zone. “Therefore, the involvement of European troops under a corresponding mandate, together with international troops, is a military option to monitor a forming ceasefire zone” he said. However, the priority remains a ceasefire in Ukraine that is acceptable to all parties.
Looking ahead to the upcoming German federal election, Brieger highlighted the special responsibility of Germany as the economically strongest nation in Europe. “It is beyond question that Germany should play a significant role in security and defense. Leadership is required here.”
A new German government will face a clear expectation of taking a more significant role in defense, going beyond previous efforts: “This expectation means that more needs to be done, going beyond previous efforts, to make a marked contribution to the vital area of European defense and to take a corresponding leadership role.