EU foreign policy chief says opposed to creating EU armed wing
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The European Union's foreign policy chief underlines his opposition to the creation of a NATO alternative within the bounds of the EU.
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European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas speaks during a media conference after a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, Monday, February 24, 2025 (AP)
EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas on Thursday rejected the idea of establishing a separate European military structure independent of NATO, warning that such a move would create conflicts in command during crises.
"All those who have worked with the armies understand how NATO works, and that's why creating an alternative structure in times of crisis is extremely dangerous," Kallas said during an event hosted by the Hudson Institute.
Moreover, she questioned whether forces would operate under a European or NATO command, stressing that the chain of command is critical in military operations.
Instead of building a separate military force, Kallas emphasized the need to strengthen the EU's defense industry to ensure greater self-reliance while maintaining NATO as the central security framework.
EU to 'screw the US'
This issue arises amid tensions between NATO and the EU on the one hand and the United States on the other, as Brussels is concerned that its biggest ally might abandon it under US President Donald Trump's isolationist policies.
Trump claimed earlier that the 28-nation bloc was formed "to screw the United States." The EU responded, calling itself the world’s largest free market and a benefit to the US economy.
An EU Commission source stated the bloc would respond "firmly and immediately" if Trump proceeds with new tariffs after the US president announced his administration’s plan to impose a 25% tariff on EU imports, including cars.
"We have made a decision, and we’ll be announcing it very soon, and it’ll be 25% generally speaking, and that’ll be on cars, and all of the things," Trump said during a cabinet meeting.
The EU currently imposes a 10% tariff on passenger cars, compared to the US tariff of 2.5%, a long-standing source of trade friction. US officials have also criticized European value-added taxes, which start at 17.5%.
