Hey fellow Europeans,

I’ve been toying around with the idea of a new European military alliance that explicitly does not include the US. Basically a replacenent for NATO. If such an organisation were to exist, how would you define its framework/scope?

Specifically:

  • What would you call it? I like EDO (European Defense Organisation)
  • Membership: EU-only vs. broader Europe (e.g. UK, Norway, Balkans… Canada?)?
  • Command structure: centralized? federated?
  • Thoughts on a possible nuclear doctrine?
  • Funding through proportional contributions? Or rather a unified defense budget?
  • Legal basis: treaty-based like NATO or integrated into EU structures? Both may have their advantages.

I am interested in hearing your thoughts and ideas on the topic.

  • Melchior@feddit.orgEnglish
    2·
    9 days ago

    The EU already is a defensive alliance. The main issue is the lack of a large enough military command structure. There already is one with the MPCC, but it is only able to command 2500 soldiers, which is obviously not even close to enough. Honestly I would built up a dual structure. A central EU military structure, which contains the highest military command able to coordinate all EU militaries, and some strategic assets like nuclear weapons(and means to use them like missiles, submarines, bombers etc), anti ballistic missile, AWACS, SIGINT and other really expensive strategic assets. Those would be funded by the EU. The member countries then also have their own militaries, which contribute similar to NATO with certain assets.

    The good part is that the EU can do things, which are not military in nature, but defense related. Energy is a very obviou field as are sanctions. That makes the EU a much better bases for a follow up NATO than NATO without US.

    • RidderSport@feddit.orgEnglish
      1·
      9 days ago

      Exactly, but what I would like to see is a joint procurement program, where all EU members bundle their military investements. That needs to be spread out so that all countries profit a bit and no one gets preferential treatment. Basically what Perun proposed and calculated a year ago.

      Some investements are too much for any military in Europe to solely fund effectively. Such as surface warships, missiles or next gen fighters. Some projects would have massive logistical benefits, such as a joint MBT, IFV, assault rifle…