EU foreign policy chief flags risks of Europe-wide army, calls It ‘extremely dangerous’

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Monday rejected calls for a Europe-wide army , warning that such a force could be “extremely, extremely dangerous” . Her remarks come as the EU explores ways to bolster its security amid concerns that the United States may prioritise other regions .

The idea of a European army has resurfaced amid tensions in NATO , including former US President Donald Trump’s threats concerning Greenland , the semiautonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark. Kallas stressed that NATO membership complicates the creation of a separate EU force, noting that the most important military asset during a crisis is the chain of command who gives orders to whom. She warned that having both a European army and NATO forces could lead to operational confusion, saying “the ball just falls between the chairs.”

Kallas also highlighted the practical challenges of establishing a new army, including coordinating troops from 27 EU countries with different equipment, doctrines, and languages , as well as agreeing on budget contributions and leadership. She noted that many proponents of a European army may not have thought through the practical implications.

Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store , speaking at the same security conference in Norway, echoed Kallas’s concerns. He said NATO’s decision-making process among allies is complex but trained to work, and rejected the European army proposal, noting that it is not a road Europe should travel.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte reinforced the warning, stating that Europe cannot defend itself without US military support . He added that to achieve independence, Europe would need to more than double current military spending targets, underlining that transatlantic cooperation remains essential.

Analysts say the push for a Europe-wide army stems from a desire for strategic autonomy , enabling the EU to respond to regional threats like Russia, instability in Africa and the Middle East, and emerging security challenges such as cyberattacks. However, critics warn that a separate EU force risks duplicating NATO operations and could undermine rather than enhance European security .

Kallas concluded that while Europe must strengthen its defence capabilities, a parallel military structure to NATO could be counterproductive and dangerous, reinforcing the need for clear coordination and shared responsibility among allies.