German finance minister calls for EU army

German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble expects to increase spending on military operations of European states, the goal of which is a united EU army. This became necessary due to the refugee crisis.

“We will have to spend a lot more money on common European defense initiatives. Ultimately, our goal should be a unified European army. The funds we spend on 28 national armies can be used together more efficiently, ”the minister said.

EU President Jean-Claude Juncker also called for such an army a few months ago. According to Juncker's speech, this army should defend the values ​​of the EU from Russia. In addition, Russia in the new NATO doctrine acts as an enemy. The Bundeswehr has a suitably oriented military doctrine, but also currently sees an enemy in the east.

With its own army, the EU hopes to achieve order on its territory. Police activities should be centralized and integrated with the border service. Thus, the EU will be much closer to the format of a single state in Europe. At the same time, the Danes rejected centralization in a referendum.

Schäuble said: “We will not stabilize the Middle East without strong European commitment. The same is true for Africa. " In order to develop in this direction, funds will be increased to help the regions. “Additional progress should be felt on this issue. Currently, Germany directs 0.43 percent of gross domestic product, and our goal is 0.7 percent, which should be achieved as soon as possible, ”he said.