10 Things the EU Must Do to Build Collective Defence

The EU needs to be prepared in 10 days time to decouple militarily from the US. The incoming administration is so transactional and mercurial that our survival cannot be built on such poor foundations at reliance on Transatlantic relations. Two simple rules must guide our doctrine: if you want peace prepare for war, and plan for the worst not the best case. Worst case, the US orders its troops stationed in the EU to stand down when the EU is attacked by Russia. Also worst case; be prepared for a broader NATO failure to act.

Here are 10 things we must absolutely do, yesterday, to militarily decouple from the US:

1. Establish a European Command: Centralise all military decision-making under a unified EU command structure to eliminate reliance on US-led NATO operations.

2. Create an EU Defence Pact: Sign a legally binding collective defence agreement, obligating all member states to respond militarily if one is attacked.

3. Raise EUMS Defence Budgets to 3% GDP: Increase military spending across member states, ensuring collective spending of at least 500 billion EUR annually.

4. Develop Independent Defence Industries: Prioritise EU-made weapons systems, aircraft, and naval platforms, equipment, and munitions. Replace US-made hardware. Build stronger defence platform and munitions supply ties with the likes of Japan and South Korea. Buy ONLY European or our non-US allies.

5. Build Strategic Stockpiles: Amass reserves of critical resources — ammunition, fuel, spare parts — to sustain prolonged (>2 years) conflict without external resupply.

6. Expand Military R&D: Invest in cutting-edge technologies such as advanced drones (and counter), cyber capabilities, hypersonic missiles, and advanced missile defence systems: stop buying Patriots; build our own.

7. Establish Permanent EU Forces: Form dedicated European battlegroups with rapid deployment capabilities, independent of NATO command.

8. Secure Energy Supply Chains: Reduce dependency on imported energy, ensuring military operations can function without foreign vulnerabilities.

9. Enhance Cybersecurity Defences: Fortify digital infrastructure to protect against cyberattacks targeting military systems and critical assets.

10. Bolster Nuclear Deterrence: Strengthen existing European nuclear capabilities and explore joint control mechanisms for added strategic leverage.

As an 11th related sortie, there are 2 rats swimming in the EU’s minestrone right now, so we must also act to side-line them, including freezing all EU funding — especially regional development funds — to them until they adhere to EU values.

The EU must act decisively, immediately, and resolutely abandoning dependence on a completely unpredictable and unreliable ally. Being so dependent on the US in this new world order is collective stupidity, not sound defence posture. Sovereignty demands readiness, and readiness demands action now.

#US #EU #Defence #Military #Decoupling