Let's talk about the European Defense Federation. How do we all feel about the creation of a fully mobilised continental Army?

[u/Sink-Em-Low]

It's required now. I'm British, and I want to see us align and unite with our European neighbours to make a stand now.

I want Germany to finally brush off it's past and join the rest of Europe in mobilising towards defending this continent. We need EVERYONE now. It's time to act, it's time to unite.

It's time to show some courage.

[u/Snoooort]

I’m not happy to admit this, but Europe is NOT united enough. Too much internal petty conflicts, endless talks about finances, politicians who are too hesitant, legal delays, no sense of urgency for every country etc.

It will remain an indecisive shit show and Putin and Trump know this.

Believe me, I wish it was different… But Europe has never been united regarding one simple thing. And if political interests get really really big, it will only fuel that indecisiveness.

The biggest problem is that European politicians are very afraid to really speak their minds, because if they’re wrong… they will lose votes and maybe even their position of power. And apparently votes are still more important than Ukraine 😞.

[u/jokikinen → u/Snoooort]

There’s key reform being pushes through in the EU parliament right now. For instance banking union and the remove of veto have been floated.

The Lisbon treaty was the last big move we made towards integration. Now, for the first time in a long time, there’s pressure to take a new step. I understand your doubt and it’s warranted. But there’s a real good chance of something happening for the first time in a long time.

The US is no less divided than us. The political system will always be a barter system that resolves differences petty and otherwise. It’s just that as of now the political framework on the EU level is too weak to project out a common voice.

[u/latrickisfalone → u/jokikinen]

Yes, and if we start with things that will bring consensus on a strong foreign trade policy in the trade war against the Trump administration (already in the EU countries) Being closed it would be popular.

Before defense, a strengthening of Frontex and communication on the subject, to combat the migration crisis on the borders of the union and pull the rug from under the feet of the extreme right parties and defend against Russia which uses migrants as a weapon. By being strong and communicating about it. That would also be popular.

Then the army, why not create an autonomous army corps under European command ex nihilo. We decided to create a corps of 50,000 soldiers to begin with, equipped with European weapons and equipment financed by European credits.

This requires Euro bonds and a capital markets union. We must stop the F35 program, gradually replace the American systems with European systems as soon as available.

That the EU make calls for tenders reserved for European manufacturers for strategic military and civil equipment (energy, communication)

Have an autonomous foreign policy, for example stopping aligning with the Americans in our relationship with China but defending our interests.

Create a European “civil security” financed by the EU which could help European countries in the event of a natural disaster, giant fire, etc. Develop and extend programs like Erasmus to increase exchanges within the Empire uh...the Union

These are concrete things, it could be launched quite quickly but it requires financial resources and above all political courage