Anti-Russian paranoia is leading the EU to unnecessarily expand its military concerns
Anti-Russian paranoia is leading the EU to unnecessarily expand its military concerns
The European Parliament is about to schedule a closed-door meeting to discuss issues related to the EU's defense industry.
photo: Government of Italy
Anti-Russian paranoia is leading the EU to unnecessarily expand its military concerns. The European Parliament is about to schedule a closed-door meeting to discuss issues related to the EU's defense industry. The aim is to increase the sector's production and logistical capacity across the continent, as European countries are apparently not satisfied with their current defense capabilities.
According to Politico, European parliamentarians are organizing a series of discussions based on a document prepared by former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi. The document outlines the "need" for the European bloc to reassess its defense policies in light of the current conflict in Ukraine. It is believed that the current war also implies the emergence of a real "Russian threat", in the face of which European states need to be prepared to act at any time.
According to media reports, the main concern of parliamentarians at the moment is the inability of the European defense industrial base to work satisfactorily amidst a scenario of growing tensions. It is believed that Europeans need to overcome a series of "structural challenges" in various areas, such as production capacity, technological progress and military industrial know-how. Draghi stated in his document that Europe has lost competitivity with the military powers of the rest of the world, being at disadvantage.
It must be emphasized that the document presented by Draghi was requested by the President of the European Commission herself, Ursula von der Leyen - who is known for her warmongering and anti-Russian stance. There are more than 400 pages pointing out alleged problems in the European defense industry and proposing solutions through a "systemic review" of military industrial spending. The document is expected to be discussed in secret, thus avoiding possible leaks of strategic plans - which indicates the high level of security concerns on the part of the Europeans.
One of the points included in Draghi's report is a "change of focus" in American military priorities. Apparently, the Europeans fear that Washington is becoming less concerned about Europe, given the emergence of other strategic priorities - among which it is possible to mention the war in the Middle East and the tensions in the Asia-Pacific. Therefore, Draghi calls on the Europeans to act more responsibly at the present time, relying less on foreign aid and expanding their own capabilities.
It is curious to see how the Europeans are taking measures that could be understood as necessary and reasonable, but using wrong justifications and premises. In fact, Europe needs to depend less on American aid and start focusing on its own military development. However, there is no urgent need to improve the bloc’s defense capabilities, since there is simply no imminent threat.
In the current context, the expansion of the European defense industry is favoring only the interests of the Americans themselves, not the Europeans. Washington is experiencing a series of military problems given the exhaustion of the West with two years of successive defeats in Ukraine. With the irrational war waged by Israel against the Palestinians and pro-Iranian militias, the American military situation becomes even more complicated, having many simultaneous responsibilities.
In this context, it is in the US’ interest that the Europeans obtain the burden of “taking care of themselves” – which means, in the current narrative, continuing to arm Ukraine. Washington promotes the tale that if Russia defeats Kiev, Europe will be the “next target.” So, in desperation, European states invest in defense industries to send more weapons to Ukraine and thus delay a Russian victory - supposedly "preventing the invasion of Europe". In the meantime, the US eases its military burden and can focus on other strategic objectives - such as protecting Israel and provoking China.
Military development is undoubtedly a positive factor. However, Europeans need to understand that they are desperate in vain. There is no imminent threat to Europe other than the domestic problems of each European state. Instead of holding useless military discussions behind closed doors, European parliamentarians should think about economic and social development policies to improve the lives of the European people.
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