By Silvia Marchetti
ROME (MaceNews) – Italy will push for a stronger, more coordinated European defense policy and the creation of ‘emergency’ intervention units to tackle geopolitical crises, according to ruling coalition sources.
“The U.S.’ withdrawal from Afghanistan, and the way in which the entire NATO mission has failed to deliver a stable country, is a wake-up call for the European Union. Key member states have understood that we can’t afford to lose any more time in creating a real common defense, with special units that can swiftly intervene whenever and wherever needed”, said an official.
Sources noted how key European members such as France and Germany, which have always been against a greater defense policy integration, are now softening their stance. Italy will be rallying consensus at EU level over the next months.
“Ever since the birth of the European Union Rome has supported the creation of an integrated European military system and army. The Ventotene Manifesto, the EU’s building block written in 1941 by one of its founding fathers Altiero Spinelli, already preached the need to have common troops but so far this has remained a mere ideal target. Now we must take steps forward to make it concrete”, said a source.
An official argued that the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan would likely trigger long-lasting effects and create geopolitical instability in the Middle East, giving way to a sort of ‘power war’ between the West and other nations such as Russia and China that would exploit the chaos to spread their influence in the area.
“What is happening in Afghanistan must not be underestimated nor neglected simply because seen as ‘distant’ from Europe. The crisis will most likely have repercussions on migratory flows, with locals in the country and in neighboring ones fleeing the region to knock at Europe’s doors”, said a source.
Officials acknowledged however that creating EU military emergency units will not be an easy task primarily due to the sluggish decision-making process.
“Theoretically, Europe currently does have a unit but it has never been deployed because there must be a unanimous decision by the European council, meaning that one single country has power of veto. That rule must be changed, or some specific clause should be introduced allowing countries willing to intervene to move ahead and join forces.”
Europe has a military battlegroup of roughly 1,500 troops, based on contributions from member states. The plan would be to increase these up to at least 5,000 troops.
In case of geopolitical emergency there could be a ‘multi-speed’ Europe with some countries going forward and jointly deploying their units while those against the intervention could simply opt-out.
“There’s nothing negative about this approach, it’s not about leaving anyone out of the game but the making decision-making must be made more efficient and quick”, said an official, who noted how the euro bloc itself did not include all European Union members.
Europe’s Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) came at a very late stage in the history of European integration, argued the sources, and very little progress has been made by countries over fears of giving up their sovereignty.
A more integrated defense policy would entail greater funding, which could come from the emission of joint debt instruments, said one official. “The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced eurobonds as a new self-funding tool to tackle emergencies, and they’re here to stay. Eurobonds will become permanent, so I don’t see why they can’t be used to fund the adoption of a stronger military policy”.
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Contact this reporter: silvia@macenews.com.
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