EU Defense Chief Calls for 100,000-Strong All-European Army and Faster Defense Decisions

European Union Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius has called on the European Union to consider creating a standing European military force of up to 100,000 troops and to overhaul how defense decisions are made, Politico reported on January 12.

Speaking at a security conference in Sweden, Kubilius argued that Russia’s war against Ukraine and growing uncertainty over long-term US security commitments to Europe require a “big bang” rethink of the bloc’s defense architecture. He warned that simply increasing defense spending within the current fragmented system of 27 national armies would not be enough.

Kubilius compared Europe’s situation to the United States, questioning whether Washington would be stronger with dozens of separate state armies rather than a single federal force.

He said Europe’s defense readiness rests on three pillars: significantly higher investment in industrial production, institutions capable of acting collectively, and the political will to deter or fight if necessary, Politico wrote.

He criticized what he described as Europe’s collection of “bonsai armies,” arguing instead for a powerful, permanent European military force—an idea previously floated by figures such as Emmanuel Macron, Angela Merkel, and former European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.

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“The European Security Council could be composed of key permanent members, along with several rotational members, including the member state with the Council presidency,” he said. “Plus the leadership of the EU: Commission and Council presidents.”

Kubilius also stated that the proposed security council should also include the United Kingdom, according to Politico.

The body, he said, would be tasked not only with discussing defense issues but with rapidly preparing decisions—a shift he argued is essential if Europe is to defend itself effectively in an increasingly hostile security environment.

Previously, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Ukraine’s accession to the European Union is a key security guarantee, according to her statement on social media X.

Von der Leyen wrote on X after what she described as a discussion with European leaders on support for Ukraine, its security, and reconstruction.

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