Knowing the score: Why EU rearmament must be grounded in political consensus
The war in Ukraine and declining confidence in U.S. protection have pushed the EU to take greater responsibility for its own defence, prompting calls for a coordinated rearmament strategy rooted in political unity rather than fragmented national efforts. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s push to strengthen EU military capabilities echoes the original vision of European integration, which saw joint defence as essential to peace. However, the article argues that any meaningful military build-up must be accompanied by strong political frameworks to prevent misuse, ensure democratic accountability, and foster a unified European stance on defence. Without this, rearmament risks undermining the very values it aims to protect. As NATO’s reliability is questioned, especially under leaders like Donald Trump, the EU must forge deeper bonds among its members, possibly through smaller coalitions or mechanisms like PESCO, to create a truly effective and united European defence policy.