EU Defense Chief Proposes 100,000-Man Joint Force

The European Union's defense commissioner, Kubilius, has floated a proposal for a combined EU military force consisting of 100,000 troops. This initiative is intended to eventually replace the military presence of the United States in Europe.

The timing of this proposal coincides with heightened anxieties among NATO allies regarding the dependability of the US. These fears have been amplified by former President Trump's insistence on a Greenland takeover, raising questions about transatlantic security commitments.

The concept of a unified European force represents a potential major shift in defense strategy. It aims to ensure that Europe can maintain its own security without relying solely on American military backing.

Kubilius has formally floated the concept of a combined military force to the European Union. The specific structure of this proposal involves a contingent of up to 100,000 service members.

The primary objective of this force is to serve as a long-term replacement for the current US troop presence in Europe. This represents a significant step toward what officials call strategic autonomy.

Currently, the United States provides a substantial security umbrella for the continent. The new proposal suggests that the EU should prepare to assume this responsibility independently.

The push for a standalone EU force is driven by NATO allies' fears regarding the reliability of the United States. These concerns have intensified following recent political developments.

Specifically, the proposal comes amid controversy surrounding former President Trump's insistence on a Greenland takeover. This stance has caused uncertainty regarding the stability of US foreign policy and its commitment to European security.

With these factors in play, the EU is re-evaluating its defense dependencies. The goal is to mitigate risks associated with potential shifts in American strategic priorities.

Implementing a force of 100,000 troops would require massive coordination among member states. It would mark a historic shift from national defense to a collective EU security model.

This move would fundamentally alter the relationship between Europe and the United States. While it aims to replace US troops, it also seeks to establish Europe as a distinct military power.

The proposal indicates a growing sentiment within the bloc that Europe must be capable of acting alone if necessary. This is a direct response to the volatility highlighted by Trump's rhetoric.

The path forward for Kubilius's proposal involves extensive political negotiation. Member states will need to agree on funding, command structures, and deployment rules.

Despite the challenges, the Greenland situation has provided a catalyst for these discussions. The EU appears determined to explore all options to secure its future defense.

Observers will be watching closely to see if this proposal gains traction in the coming months. The potential for a combined force remains a central topic in European defense circles.