EU Official Rejects Calls for Joint European Army, Cites NATO Risks

Concerns over European defence strategy are intensifying, as top European officials publicly discourage the creation of a standalone European army. The debate has resurfaced amid geopolitical tensions, including previous threats from former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Greenland.

European defence Concerns Rise

Kaja Kallas, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, voiced strong opposition to a separate European military force on Monday, February 2, 2026, warning it could be “extremely dangerous.” Kallas argued that establishing a distinct European army while already being part of NATO creates a problematic duality.

NATO Command Structure

Kallas emphasized the importance of a clear command hierarchy during times of crisis, stating, “If you have a European army and then you have NATO, then, you understand, you just fall between two chairs.” Currently, NATO military operations are directed by a Supreme Allied Commander, who is consistently a high-ranking U.S. Officer. As of today, that position is held by Lieutenant General Alexis Grynkewich.

Did You Know? The current Supreme Allied Commander of NATO in Europe is a U.S. Officer, Lieutenant General Alexis Grynkewich.

Broader European Sentiment

The sentiment against a separate European army isn’t limited to the EU’s High Representative. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre also expressed reservations, stating it’s “a path we should not take.” Notably, Norway is not a member of the European Union.

Reliance on U.S. Support

Mark Rutte, the Secretary-General of NATO, recently asserted that Europe is currently unable to defend itself without U.S. Military assistance. He indicated that Europe would need to more than double its current military spending to achieve independent defence capabilities. Rutte stated, “If anyone thinks here… that the EU or Europe as a whole can defend itself without the US, keep dreaming. You cannot.” He further emphasized the mutual need between Europe and the United States.

Expert Insight: The statements from Kallas and Rutte highlight a fundamental reliance on the U.S. Within the current transatlantic security framework. The debate over a European army isn’t simply about military capability, but also about the complex political and operational implications of potentially duplicating or conflicting with existing NATO structures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kaja Kallas’ position on a European army?

Kaja Kallas, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has rejected calls for a European army, warning it could be “extremely dangerous.”

What did Mark Rutte say about European defence?

Mark Rutte stated that Europe cannot defend itself without U.S. Military support and would need to significantly increase military spending to do so.

What is the current command structure of NATO?

Military operations within NATO are currently managed by a Supreme Allied Commander, who is always a high-ranking U.S. Officer. Lieutenant General Alexis Grynkewich currently holds this position.

As European leaders debate the future of defence strategies, will the current reliance on U.S. Support continue to shape the continent’s security posture?