PRAGUE – Czech President Petr Pavel, a former chairman of NATO’s Military Committee, believes Europe should negotiate with the United States to further develop NATO’s European pillar, as it could be used for “purely European operations.”
Pavel remains sceptical about the creation of an EU army. “Such a project would take much longer and also require the unanimous approval of all member states,” he said in an interview with Czech Television on Sunday. His comments were a response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who at the Munich Security Conference called for Europe to establish its own armed forces.
“Greater autonomy for Europe in defence makes sense if we build on what already exists,” Pavel said.
“We have a very strong, well-established, and thoroughly developed European pillar of NATO. If we engaged in negotiations with the U.S. and institutionalised this European pillar further, it could be used for purely European operations—whether with or without U.S. participation,” he explained. The extent of US involvement, he added, would depend on Washington’s preferences.
“This is a path that could be implemented relatively quickly and with greater effectiveness. It would certainly make sense because it would make Europe more independent of the US and more responsible for itself and European affairs,” Pavel suggested.
The Czech president also stressed that Europe’s interests must be taken into account in peace negotiations over Ukraine. He emphasised that Europe needs to clearly communicate its red lines and demands – above all, to the United States.
(Aneta Zachová | Euractiv.cz)
We give you energy news and help invest in energy projects too, click here to learn more
