The decline of NATO’s influence opens the way for the creation of an independent European army – Algerian Al-Hiwar newspaper

NATO is facing an existential crisis, after the decline of US support for European security, which puts the continent before a new reality: defending itself without relying on Washington. This situation has brought back the discussion about creating a unified European army to the forefront, with the necessity of integrating national defense efforts under a central command within the European Union, to ensure the ability to deter and confront any threat, especially from Russia.

Military and political experts confirm that increasing budgets alone will not be enough, because the current European armies lack common equipment and operational capabilities. Countries’ reliance on their national sovereignty has hindered the development of a joint defense system for decades.

On the other hand, the European Union has all the human and economic capabilities to form an effective defense force, but implementing this requires abandoning national unilateralism, and unifying planning, leadership, training, and military procurement. This approach would preserve national armies and strengthen NATO’s role, but would give Europe greater independence in protecting its security and effectively confronting future threats.