Perché l’Europa non ha un esercito comune?

Summary

The script discusses the concept of a unified European military force, exploring the potential collaboration between leading defense companies like Leonardo and Rheinmetall. It examines the historical context, the rising geopolitical tensions, and the challenges of creating such an army. With an increasing defense budget and the potential threat from global powers, the idea of a common European army is revisited. The script highlights political debates, logistical issues, and the diverse opinions within the EU about defense, sovereignty, and NATO. Ultimately, it raises questions about the feasibility and future of a unified European military force.

Takeaways

• 😀 The collaboration between Italy's Leonardo and Germany's Rheinmetall has led to the formation of a new company focusing on military vehicle development, with a budget exceeding 20 billion euros.
• 😀 This partnership aims to modernize over 280 tanks and 1,000 light tracked vehicles over the next decade, with a broader ambition to target international markets and future projects.
• 😀 The idea of a common European military has gained support, especially with rising global tensions and concerns over decreasing US support for the European Union.
• 😀 In response to the Ukraine conflict and shifting geopolitical realities, many European leaders have advocated for the formation of a unified European army to protect the Union’s borders.
• 😀 The idea of a European army is not new; it traces its roots back to the 1950s when the European Defense Community (EDC) was proposed but ultimately failed to materialize due to political disagreements.
• 😀 Despite various setbacks and the dominance of NATO, the proposal has resurfaced in recent years, especially under French President Emmanuel Macron’s leadership, aiming for strategic autonomy from NATO and the US.
• 😀 The creation of the European Defense Fund in 2017 with a budget of 7.9 billion euros and ongoing efforts to strengthen defense cooperation are signs of increasing commitment to defense integration.
• 😀 The European Union's increasing military budget (up 10% from 2022 to 2023) reflects the growing awareness of the need for self-reliance in defense, with 80% of investments directed towards air defense, combat aircraft, and tanks.
• 😀 There are two main models for a European army: one involving the fusion of national armies into a single force and another creating a joint force with soldiers from different countries while retaining national armies.
• 😀 Challenges include disagreements over military strategies, defense budgets, and operational logistics, as well as issues of neutrality from countries like Austria, Ireland, and Cyprus, which do not participate in military alliances.

Q & A

What is the main idea behind the partnership between Leonardo and Rheinmetall?

The partnership aims to create a new company, Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles, and a development center for combat military vehicles in Europe. This project focuses on modernizing over 280 tanks and more than 1,000 light tracked vehicles over the next 10 years, with an eye on international markets and future projects.

What is the concept of a European Army, and why is it being discussed?

The idea of a European Army revolves around the concept of forming a unified defense force to protect the European Union's borders. With growing tensions in global geopolitics and uncertainties regarding U.S. support, the EU has increasingly considered an independent military force to safeguard its security.

Which countries have shown support for the idea of a European Army?

Support for a European Army has come from political figures across various EU countries, including Emmanuel Macron, Viktor Orbán, Silvio Berlusconi, and Angela Merkel.

What are the challenges in creating a European Army?

Challenges include political disagreements, differences in military policies, and logistical issues such as coordination among 27 countries with different defense systems and the involvement of neutral countries like Austria and Ireland.

How much did the EU spend on defense in 2023, and what was the increase compared to the previous year?

In 2023, EU countries allocated 279 billion euros to defense, marking a 10% increase compared to 2022.

What is the role of NATO in relation to a potential European Army?

NATO plays a crucial role in European defense, but some EU countries view dependence on NATO, particularly on U.S. support, as a vulnerability. A European Army would offer more autonomy and strengthen Europe's defense capabilities.

Why is the creation of a European Army being discussed now, particularly in light of the war in Ukraine?

The war in Ukraine has intensified concerns over Europe's vulnerability and the potential reduction of U.S. support. The increasing geopolitical instability has led many to argue for a more independent and unified European defense force.

What is the PESCo initiative, and how does it relate to European defense cooperation?

PESCo, or Permanent Structured Cooperation, is an EU initiative aimed at coordinating defense projects among member states. It covers areas such as maritime security, medical cooperation, and intelligence and provides the EU with rapid deployment forces.

What historical efforts have been made to create a European Army, and why have they failed?

Efforts to create a European Army date back to the 1950s with the European Defense Community (CED), which was never ratified. Various attempts since, including those by France and the UK in the early 2000s, failed due to disagreements on defense policies and leadership.

What would a European Army look like in terms of military capabilities if it were created?

A European Army would have a significant military presence, potentially over 1 million soldiers from member countries like Italy, France, and Germany, with a defense budget that could rival that of Russia and China, making it one of the most powerful forces in the world.