Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz says Germany’s move to unlock hundreds of billions in military spending should be seen as a “first great step” toward the creation of a European defence community. The 1952 EDC included a European Army

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-18/merz-says-germany-laying-foundation-for-european-defense-push?utm_source=website&utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=twitter

Posted by EUstrongerthanUS

3 comments

  1. SS: Momentum is growing to revive the European Defence Community as conceived by Konrad Adenauer. The plans were quite advanced and include a European Army. The possible revival of the 1952 European Defence Community (EDC) concept marks a significant shift in European security policy. Originally proposed as a way to create a pan-European military force, it was abandoned in 1954 after France pulled out at the last moment. However, with rising concerns over the US commitment to Europe, a new push for the European Defence community is taking shape. It would take only France and Italy to ratify the treaty for it to come into force. The ratifications by other states still stands.

    Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz has emphasized the need for independence from the US.

  2. I’m still not buying it tbh I think Europe’s defense issues will remain, to Russia’s benefit

  3. A Unified European army seems like a distant fantasy as of now. Member nations are unable to reach agreements and often veto important pieces of legislation due to conflict of interests. Then you have “trojan horse” members like Hungary and Slovakia with pro Russian sentiments.

    I am sure the UK, France and Germany will lead efforts for a pan European army but even the big 3 squabble amongst each other a lot. Then you have Italy and Spain who will be even more reluctant to commit funds and manpower. Both these nations are under no threat from Russia and most likely will never be. The same is the case with the Turks, they are militarily much more capable and can defend against the Russians with a lot more ease.

    Next we get to economic constraints. Richer nations like France and Germany will feel as if they are subsidising defense of poorer countries. East european members are likely to spend a larger percentage of their GDP on defence due to proximity to threats whilst western european “safer” nations are likely to drag their feet. This will lead to resentment and a feeling of being shortchanged causing infighting. Most European countries have stagnant or low rates of economic growth and will have to take on additional debt to push defence spending.

    Then we get to demographic issues. Most of Europe has chronically low birth rates and an aging population. The median age in the EU is above 40 years and will increase steadily as time passes. This means less young soldiers available for service unless they are conscripted which is politically unpalatable. More resources will be diverted towards pensions, healthcare costs and social security for an aging population.

    I haven’t gotten into more practical issues like a unified chain of command, standardization of equipment, training and tactics, interoperability, challenges of production, procurement and logistical issues. Then we get to shortfalls in military intelligence, cyber capabilities, satellites and drones.

    A pipe dream indeed!

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