Kubilius, the European Commissioner for Defence, aims to clarify the EU's stance on security and sovereignty following his controversial call for a 100,000-strong European army. His response targets key stakeholders: EU member state governments guarding national sovereignty, Austria with its constitutional neutrality, and European citizens wary of military integration. The debate is set to stir reactions especially among national authorities and defense sectors.
This statement answers a parliamentary question from MEP Petra Steger (PfE), challenging the Commission's call for a European army on legal and sovereignty grounds.
Kubilius' reply leans heavily on existing treaty provisions rather than unveiling new policies. He references Article 42(2) of the Treaty on European Union, which permits progress toward a common defence only upon unanimous agreement by the European Council and constitutional compliance by all member states. No explicit numerical targets, budget allocations, or new institutional frameworks are proposed. Instead, it affirms procedural safeguards and respects member states’ existing constitutional prerogatives.
The Commission reaffirms the position that national security remains a member state's prerogative but envisions potential collective defense "when the European Council so decides unanimously." The answer suggests incremental EU integration in defence policy but buttressed by unanimity and respect for unique national characteristics, such as Austria’s neutrality.
Stakeholders across the spectrum face trade-offs: EU member states maintain sovereignty under current rules but face possible future integration; Austria's neutrality remains constitutionally protected but may encounter challenges if common defence progresses; EU institutions gain procedural oversight but lack unilateral power; and European citizens see democratic safeguards emphasized, though the prospect of a European army remains a sensitive topic.
This exchange indicates that the Commission will continue respecting treaty-based mechanisms and consensus, signaling any future defense integration will require careful, unanimous agreement, thus preserving democratic legitimacy. The response sets the tone for ongoing discussions around EU defence policy limits and member state sovereignty.