Callas opposed the creation of a pan-European army

The creation of a parallel army in the European Union (EU) may lead to duplication of functions and confusion in the distribution of responsibilities. This was announced on June 8 by the head of EU diplomacy, Kaya Kallas, at a press conference following an informal meeting of the defense ministers of the association countries in Cyprus.

"I am not in favor of creating an additional army, because each member state has its own army. <...> You also cannot create another army, just a parallel structure. That is why it is very important that we do not create structures that can lead to confusion," she said in a statement posted on the website of the European External Action Service.

According to Callas, defense issues remain the national competence of the Member States. She noted that the EU should focus on developing cooperation between the countries, as strengthening their defense capabilities strengthens the European component of NATO.

Kallas also pointed out that the European Union has mechanisms for mutual assistance and structures for responding to crisis situations, including hybrid threats. Instead of forming a new army, she believes, existing cooperation tools should be improved.

Naval battle: European countries are creating a naval alliance against Russia

The Union of the Northern Fleets may engage in robbery and piracy against Russian merchant vessels

On June 5, Italy announced the need to create a new alliance for the defense of Europe. The country's Defense Minister Guido Crosetto called on the 27 EU members to form an alliance with 13 other non-member countries, including the UK, Norway, Turkey and Ukraine. He added that the North Atlantic Alliance, in turn, should look for new members outside of Europe and North America.