The European Union will not be ready to undertake military operations in defense of Ukraine even by 2040, warned the former director-general for enlargement at the European Commission, Pierre Mirel, according to Euractiv.
"Europe will not be ready to defend Ukraine even by 2040," stated the former European official, directly challenging ambitions for the rapid building of a common European defense capability.
Fire at Merz
Mirel particularly criticized the proposal supported by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for Ukraine's accession to the European Defence Union before its full accession to the EU, arguing that such a move creates expectations that Europe is not in a position to support militarily.
His intervention comes in a period when Brussels is discussing the strengthening of European defense, increasing defense spending, and deeper cooperation with Kyiv against Russia.
His statements reignite the debate on whether Europe truly possesses the military capabilities, industrial base, and political will to guarantee Ukraine's security without decisive American support.
According to Mirel, creating credible European defense power requires far more time, investment, and political integration than is often implied in public debate.
His stance is considered particularly sharp, coming as it does from a former top Commission official who for years played a central role in EU enlargement policy and relations with candidate countries.
www.bankingnews.gr
Readers’ Comments