The notion of a growing chasm between NATO and the European Union has been a recurring theme in recent security discussions, particularly following pointed remarks from figures like Donald Trump. However, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, a prominent voice in European foreign policy, recently pushed back against such narratives, asserting that collaboration between the two entities is not only intact but strengthening. Her comments, made at a security conference in Norway, underscored a commitment to a unified approach to European defense, even as the conversation around a potential Europe-wide army continues to spark debate.
Kallas articulated a clear stance on the idea of a standalone European military, describing it as “extremely dangerous.” She highlighted the critical importance of a singular, unambiguous command structure during periods of crisis. The current landscape, where defense ministers traditionally operate within national frameworks, contrasts sharply with the integrated approach often seen in other European ministerial gatherings, such as those concerning justice. While acknowledging the inherent national competence in defense, Kallas stressed that individual member states are often too small to address modern security challenges effectively on their own. Collaborative efforts, she argued, allow for a broader coverage, citing air defense as a prime example where joint action, though expensive, yields greater security. These initiatives are not meant to supplant NATO but rather to complement its existing architecture.
The core of Kallas’s argument against a separate European army rests on the potential for confusion in a crisis. With 23 of the European Union’s member states also belonging to NATO, establishing a distinct military force could lead to overlapping authorities and a dangerous lack of clarity regarding who issues orders. This “ball falling between the chairs,” as she termed it, presents an unacceptable risk. Instead, Kallas advocates for bolstering European defense capabilities within the NATO framework, viewing these enhancements as entirely complementary to the alliance’s mission. The goal, she reiterated, is to strengthen Europe’s ability to defend itself without undermining the foundational role of NATO.
These discussions unfold against a backdrop of renewed geopolitical tensions, particularly with Russia. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, also speaking at the conference, offered a stark reminder of Europe’s strategic importance to NATO. He recounted a direct conversation with then-President Trump, where he underscored Norway’s crucial role in monitoring Russia’s vast nuclear arsenal, positioned just 100 kilometers from the Norwegian border. Støre emphasized that this intelligence, including the movements of Russian submarines and their weapon system tests, is shared directly with the United States. He characterized Trump’s past assertions that European NATO members offer little in return as “completely false,” pointing to the tangible contributions made by nations like Norway.
The ongoing military exercises in the Arctic further illustrate this collaborative defense posture. Støre detailed upcoming drills involving 25,000 troops in northern Norway and Finland, noting the significant participation of French and U.S. forces, each contributing between 4,000 and 5,000 personnel. He presented these joint endeavors not as charity, but as actions driven by mutual interest, asserting a commitment to preserving and reminding American partners of this shared investment in security.
While NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte recently suggested Europe could not yet defend itself without U.S. support, Kallas concurred that work remains to be done. She acknowledged the current dependency but highlighted ongoing efforts towards greater independence in security matters. This includes increased investment in defense spending and capabilities, viewing these not merely as national undertakings but as collective European endeavors. The objective is to address vulnerabilities and build resilience, recognizing that a stronger Europe ultimately contributes to a stronger NATO. The narrative, from Kallas’s perspective, is one of enhanced cooperation and shared responsibility, rather than internal division.
