In order to be able to act rapidly and robustly, the Council of the European Union wants to establish an EU Rapid Response Force of 5000 troops. EU ministers approved the Strategic Compass, containing plans to make the EU a stronger and more capable security provider.
The formation of a European army has been seen as an objective to be realised by some Member States, such as France and Germany, though others disregard this project as being unnecessary. In a changing world order where long-time allies are not as trustworthy as they used to be, achieving military independence represents a key factor to guarantee the security of the bloc.
ays EU High Representative Josep Borell in an interview with the AFP. He thinks the crisis created by the withdrawal of US and NATO troops from Afghanistan might create the necessary base of support.
