The European Union, which has experienced both world wars, understands the importance of ensuring security. When the EU was created, the existence of its own forces was envisaged, which were to cooperate with NATO and ensure the security of member countries outside the EU. The Common Foreign and Security Policy was defined by the Maastricht Treaty back in 1993. However, the creation of EU military formations began only in the early 2000s. After several years of bureaucratic procedures, EU countries established a separate department within the European External Action Service, known today as the European Union Military Staff. Lieutenant General Michiel van der Laan spoke to the Voice of America about the defense department’s priorities ahead of the NATO summit in Washington.
After almost two years since the occupation of Crimea and the beginning of the conflict in Donbass, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, secured the approval of the EU Global Strategy by the European Council, which includes an extensive defense aspect. The EU Military Staff now manages military formations such as the Rapid Reaction Forces, the European Corps, the European Gendarmerie, the European Naval Forces, and EU Battle Groups.
During crisis situations, the Staff cooperates with NATO and the Joint Committee, which includes representatives of the foreign affairs and defense ministries of five EU countries: Germany, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Spain.
