It is mainly new doubts about the role of the United States within NATO that are prompting new plans. The discussion about a new European defense structure has thus accelerated. Statements about a possible withdrawal from NATO have increased pressure on European countries.
Alternative
Europe is now seeking new ways to integrate Ukraine more rapidly into joint defense. A key point is that NATO membership for Ukraine is currently considered unachievable. At the same time, it is also recognized that accession to the European Union is a lengthy and complex process.
Therefore, an alternative that can work faster is being sought. Ukraine is seen as an essential part of future security in Europe and should be directly involved in joint defense agreements.
Promotion
London and Oslo
Other countries outside the EU, such as the United Kingdom and Norway, are also mentioned as potential participants. This points to broader cooperation extending beyond the current borders of the European Union.
A proposed solution is a new agreement among countries willing to deepen defense cooperation. Such a model should enable quicker decision-making and better military collaboration.
EU Army
According to the plans, existing European agreements are insufficient to build a strong and unified defense system. A new structure would enable countries to operate as one entity rather than separate national armies. Some EU politicians are already speaking about the formation of an EU army.
At the same time, there is growing attention in Europe toward higher defense spending and more cooperation within the military industry. Various initiatives already show that several European countries want to expand their defense capacity and better coordinate with each other.
Canada and Turkey
It is also relevant that some countries outside the EU, such as Canada, have shown interest in participating in European defense projects. This raises further discussion about who can and cannot join new forms of cooperation.
Turkey, a NATO member but not part of the EU, has already indicated that it wants to be part of such an expanded European Defense Union. Kubilius made no concrete statements about this.