© EPA/CLEMENS BILAN The German Chancellor isn’t rushing to embrace a European army for Ukraine.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz voiced doubts Friday regarding a proposition from Manfred Weber, leader of the center-right European People’s Party, concerning the potential function of a shared European army in a post-conflict peacekeeping endeavor in Ukraine, Politico reports.
In recent weeks, Weber has presented several prominent initiatives intended to bolster the EU’s influence on the global stage. Aside from deploying forces in Ukraine under the European banner, he has advocated for the establishment of a unified European leader – by merging the roles of President of the European Council and President of the European Commission.
Addressing an informal EPP meeting in Zagreb, Croatia, Merz welcomed Weber’s endeavors to modernize the European Union, but highlighted that these concepts aren’t immediate solutions to Europe’s ongoing difficulties.
“We need to concentrate on the tasks that we are currently facing,” Merz stated, responding to questions about Weber’s ideas.
The Chancellor added that he sees no problem with “repeatedly raising institutional questions” regarding a stronger and more unified Europe, underscoring that “these are subjects that require constant discussion.”
Simultaneously, Merz displayed no inclination to engage with the extensive European reforms that Weber’s suggestions might necessitate.
“Achieving treaty revisions within this European Union of 27 members is a complex undertaking,” the chancellor noted. “I support prioritizing the issues that are presently under consideration.”
According to him, the focus should be on enhancing defense capabilities and revitalizing the competitiveness of European industry, which has been waning lately.
While Merz has expressed caution regarding the notion of a European army, his government has yet to determine the degree of German participation in a prospective peacekeeping operation in Ukraine. Although Berlin has been less forward than Britain and France in raising the matter of a possible deployment of peacekeepers, Merz emphasized: “We don’t rule out anything in principle.”
Germany also emphasizes its current role as a regional security guarantor along the Russian border — particularly, through the deployment of nearly 5,000 troops in Lithuania and involvement in aerial patrol operations over Eastern Europe.
Addressing Merz’s hesitation about his proposals, Weber remarked: “We are engaged in dialogue. And we are continuing the conversation.”
Previously, it was reported that Lieutenant General Gerald Funke, head of the German Armed Forces Support Command, is preparing his country for a large-scale war by Russia against NATO in a couple of years.