No unified European army despite Russian threat, says Polish FM

Robert Besser
21 Feb 2025, 19:44 GMT+10

European nations will not form a single, unified army despite growing security concerns over Russia, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said in an interview aired late Saturday on state television
His comments came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy urged Europe to establish a collective military force, arguing that the continent could no longer rely on U.S. protection and needed a stronger defense to earn Washington’s respect
Sikorski cautioned against using the term “European army,” stating that it carries different meanings for different people

WARSAW, Poland: European nations will not form a single, unified army despite growing security concerns over Russia, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said in an interview aired late Saturday on state television.

His comments came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy urged Europe to establish a collective military force, arguing that the continent could no longer rely on U.S. protection and needed a stronger defense to earn Washington's respect.

Sikorski cautioned against using the term "European army," stating that it carries different meanings for different people.

"If you understand by it the unification of national armies, it will not happen," he said. "But I have been an advocate for Europe, for the European Union, to develop its own defense capabilities."

He acknowledged that the EU is currently working on strengthening its military presence but emphasized that such efforts would not lead to the complete merging of national forces.

"If the U.S. wants us to step up in defense, it should have a national component, a NATO component, but I also believe a European EU component, EU subsidies for the defense industry to build up our capacity to produce, but also an EU force worthy of its name," he added.

Sikorski also dismissed speculation about Polish troops being sent into Ukraine, reiterating that Poland's primary responsibility within NATO is safeguarding the alliance's eastern flank, including its own territory.

His remarks highlight ongoing debates within Europe about military preparedness and strategic autonomy amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.