Europe’s security is “at a turning point”, the president of the European Commission has said, as leaders from major European powers prepared to meet in Paris for emergency talks on their role in an eventual ceasefire in Ukraine.
After last week’s shock move by the US to sideline Kyiv and its European backers from peace negotiations, Ursula von der Leyen said the issue was “about Ukraine – but also about us. We need an urgency mindset. We need a surge in defence. And we need both of them now.”
The British prime minister, Keir Starmer, echoed her sentiments, telling reporters before heading to the French capital: “This isn’t just about the frontline in Ukraine. It’s the frontline of Europe and of the UK. It’s about our national security.”
Starmer added: “We need to step up in terms of our collective response in Europe. And by that, I mean capability, by that I mean playing our full part when it comes to the defence of the sovereignty of Ukraine if there’s a peace agreement.”
Do those countries have any military offerings to speak of?
Does Spain? Or are they just bringing the fucking paella for the meeting?
Look up the size of the Hellenic Army. Notice that Romania borders with Ukraine. Notice that Bulgaria and Romania share the Black Sea with it.
The whole world cries for a united EU and yet we never get a seat at the table. Sorry for being annoyed by the hypocrisy a little.
Excluding the Czechs seems especially weird given how enthusiastic and effective they’ve been in their support for Ukraine
I mean yes. Spain has one of the biggest weapons industries in the world IIRC.
Be that as it may, it’s way out in Western Europe. The question was whether those countries have military offerings. The answer is yes, by virtue of proximity. Furthermore the Hellenic Army is significantly larger and the combined weapons manufacturing industry of the Balkans is nothing to scoff at. It just boils down to the fact that if Ukraine falls, we in Eastern Europe are next, but no one fucking gives a shit. Cannon fodder for the West.
That’s why I ask! I’m wholly ignorant of European militaries. I only know Poland is absolutely jacked ATM.
Greece specifically has one of the largest tank forces in Europe. Mostly because Turkiye also has one of the biggest tank forces in Europe.