EU Lacks Resources for Pan-European Army – Finnish FM

Erkki Tuomioja described the proposed creation of the EU’s very own armed forces as unrealistic, at least for now, but added that a discussion on a new strategy of European security is very relevant, Finland’s Yle radio and television company reported.

Mr. Tuomioja also believed that the EU army will hardly be able, even in the long haul, to completely supplant the armies of the individual member-states.

As to the new outlines of European security, the minister also felt that the mere fact that the issue is going to be discussed is very important.

"I’m glad we are now talking this over… We sought progress on a concerted security policy for the EU. Now that this new security strategy is in the making, we should also discuss the issue of a Pan-European army. Well, the whole idea may someday come true, but this won’t happen any time soon,” Yle quotes the Foreign Minister as saying.

As far as the EU’s Rapid Reaction Force, it is more about dealing with crisis situations rather than ensuring national defense,” Erkki Tuomioja added.

In Sunday’s interview carried by the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said the European Union needs its own army to face up to Russia, as well as restore the bloc's foreign policy standing around the world.

The proposal was quickly endorsed by German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen who told German radio that the idea of a Pan-European army made a lot of sense.

Finnish President Sauli Niinistö also backed the idea, while the chairman of the parliament’s defense committee Jussi Niinistö strongly criticized the proposal.