The European Union (EU) boasts a larger economy and population than Russia, yet in international politics, we find ourselves relegated to the sidelines as nuclear-armed nations divide Europe.
The peaceful integration of EU countries has deep historical roots, with significant strides beginning with the Treaty on European Union in 1993. Over time, the number of member states has grown to the current 27.
In many respects, Europe has made considerable progress toward unity. We are now comparable to the USA, Russia, and China in several areas. For instance, EU member states have harmonized legislation and border controls, adopted a common currency, and empowered individual nations to manage local affairs.
However, one critical step remains: the integration of member states' armed forces under a single, democratically elected government. The power of the USA, Russia, and China in international politics is largely founded on their credible military capabilities and nuclear deterrents.
Historically, small German states frequently clashed with one another, but Germany's unification brought an end to such internal conflicts. Similarly, England, Scotland, and Wales ceased their hostilities only after the formation of the United Kingdom. In North America, hostilities ended when the states of the United States placed their military under a central, democratically elected leadership.
In short, member states or countries cannot go to war with one another - if they do not maintain their own armed forces.
The European Commission is responsible for proposing new EU legislation and ensuring its implementation by member states. Comprising one commissioner from each member state serving five-year terms, the Commission operates somewhat like the U.S. Senate, which includes two senators from each state.
The European Parliament typically collaborates with the Council of Ministers to legislate on EU matters. Parliament has similar type of functions than the US House of Representatives.
The most logical way to lead the EU's common army is to give a stronger mandate to the EU Commission, especially in foreign and security policy.
For years, the EU has relied on U.S. support for its security needs and has underinvested in developing a credible defense. If we aim to govern our own affairs democratically, we must urgently enhance our investment in defense capabilities.
Of course, investing in weapons is clearly irrational if we recognize that we are all brothers and sisters. Unfortunately, today too few political decision-makers understand this.
However, it is worth noting that almost all the money invested in building, for example, a single warship ultimately ends up in the builders' salaries, groceries, clothes, holidays, housing, cars and taxes. In other words, military investments stimulate economic activity within society.
To ensure the EU's credibility, we must abandon the requirement for unanimity in foreign and security policy. Article 42.7 of the Lisbon Treaty does not provide any safeguards if one member state can veto all important decisions.
The EU integration process can be completed simply by excluding the member states that oppose integration from the new EU version 2 treaty. In the current EU, these countries have already milked our common funds sufficiently.
Antti Roine, Ulvila, 2 March 2025
This is a "Viewpoint" opinion column. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or position of The Helsinki Times. This column is not fact checked and HT is not be responsible for any possible inaccurate or incorrect statement in this article.
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