EU Takes Concrete Steps Toward a Military

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini gives a press conference on the European Defense Action Plan at EU headquarters in Brussels on November 30. (JOHN THYS/AFP/Getty Images)

 

EU leaders say Europe needs a defense union so it can be a ‘superpower.’

Nations in the European Union have often talked about working together on defense. Many pro-EU politicians wanted some form of an EU army. But in terms of having actual, practical plans, they have had little success—until now.

On November 14, EU defense and foreign ministers agreed on concrete steps toward greater European military cooperation.

Superpower Europe

As said a quite a few times in the past, after America is done suiciding itself into the dustbin of history, you’re looking at your likely next superpower: A German-dominated United States of Europe. History tells us that when a superpower dies, there will ultimately be another one (or more) to fill in the gap. Donald Trump’s NATO funding rhetoric just might make it so real soon.

 

WASHINGTON/BERLIN (Own report) – Under German pressure, the EU is pushing toward the establishment of military structures, independent of NATO, as is evidenced by recent decisions taken by its defense ministers. At their meeting, ending yesterday, the defense ministers decided, as a first step, that particular EU countries should enhance their military cooperation. The EU will establish a logistic hub and explore the creation of a European Medical Command. They planned the setting up of a nucleus for an EU civilian-military headquarters that, according to Italy’s foreign minister, could grow to become a European general staff. These structures could serve NATO, but in the end, are suitable for an EU army. Berlin’s attempt to pit the EU against the USA, by ostentatiously taking a distance to President-Elect Trump, has encountered opposition from the UK and several eastern EU countries. Leading European foreign policy makers called the EU a “superpower” expected to be a “global security provider.”

Europe Pushes for an Army and an Empire

(L to R) Luxembourg’s Foreign minister Jean Asselborn, Italy’s Foreign minister Paolo Gentiloni, Germany’s Foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Belgium’s Foreign minister Didier Reynders, France’s Foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault and Netherlands’ Foreign minister Bert Koenders address a press confeence after post-Brexit talks at the Villa Borsig in Berlin on June 25, 2016. (JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP/Getty Images)

 

In the wake of Brexit, leaders from the across the Continent are calling for the EU to overhaul its military.

Officials across Europe are pushing for the Continent to develop an army and send it oversees. Though Europe is greatly divided, this is one of few areas on which all sides agree.

Defense reform is “a matter of urgency” European Union officials believe. The EU needs its own armed forces, navy and intelligence service. Poland believes Europe should have “a European army” and “a strong European president with far-reaching authority.”

“The EU wants its own empire as former Commission President José Manuel Barroso made clear when he was in charge,” said UK Independence Party spokesman Mike Hookem. While this comment may seem farfetched, it’s clear the EU wants to rapidly step up its military involvement in North Africa and the Middle East.

After Brexit

BERLIN/LONDON (Own report) – Initial outlines of Berlin’s possible reaction to Britain’s EU exit (“Brexit”) are beginning to seep out to the public. According to a report, government circles, who themselves see no reason to fear the turbulences of the financial markets, are hoping that these will persuade a sufficient number of the British to vote in favor of “remaining.” If this does not work, and the British opt for the Brexit, drastic measures should not be excluded. To avoid negative effects on the German economy, some members of the administration are pleading in favor of granting the UK an EU-associate status, similar to that of Norway. However, “a front should be established” to prevent other EU members from following suit and converting to an associate status. The transition to a “core Europe” remains an option and a discussion of it could be initiated at the end of this week. The foreign ministers of the six EU founding countries have planned an exclusive meeting to discuss the consequences of the British referendum.

NATO Warns Turkey; No Support if You Start a War With Russia

Watch the wordplay coming out of NATO in the future. It should be interesting how it will attempt to distance itself from an abusive member by its interpretation(s) of Article 5.

 

“Ankara should not exaggerate its NATO resources: The alliance would not give any support of a Turkish aggression against Russia.”  Those were the words of Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn, who made clear he spoke for several other NATO Member countries.

An example of Turkey’s abuse of its NATO membership became crystal clear about five days ago, when Turkey began artillery shelling from 400 meters away from its border with Syria.  The Turks fired countless artillery shells into Syria, in support of Turkish-backed rebels who are trying to overthrow Syrian President Bashar Assad.