The German Path to an EU Army (I)

BERLIN | 10/31/2014 | polen

10/31/2014
BERLIN (Own report) - The German government is accelerating the creation of an EU army
by means of bilateral military cooperation. The German-Polish "declaration of intent" on
military cooperation of the two countries' armed forces, signed in the middle of the week, is
the most recent example. The agreement includes the exchange and joint training of officers
as well as "placing combat battalions under the other's command." Poland's military already
has more than 130 German-made Leopard 2 battle tanks with another 120 due to be added by
2015. A sales contract to this effect was signed last year, only a few months after an
agreement "reinforcing" cooperation between the Navies of the two countries was signed. At
the time, German Defense Minister Thomas de Maizière (CDU) spoke of a "totally new
quality" in the military cooperation between Germany and Poland. His successor, Ursula von
der Leyen (CDU), has gone a step further and had her ministry declare that the intended
German-Polish military cooperation is a "trendsetting milestone for the development of
European integrated military structures."

A Milestone
On the occasion of the "Bundeswehr Conference" that ended yesterday in Berlin, a high-level conference
of the German military, German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen (CDU) and her Polish counterpart
Tomasz Siemoniak signed a "declaration of intent on German-Polish military cooperation." The agreement
includes both the creation of a "mutual military liaison organization" as well as the "reinforcement of
cooperation" between their respective cavalry troops, military reconnaissance, mountain troops and
artillery units. The exchange of officers and the joint officer cadet training is also planned. The agreement's
declared objective is to reinforce the "interoperability" of both armies - coordinate their synergy in battle.
Consequently, the "declaration of intent" is not limited to training sessions and maneuvers, but explicitly
provides for "placing combat battalions under the other's command." Following the signing, von der Leyen
had her ministry declare that the intended German-Polish military cooperation is a "trendsetting milestone
for the development of European integrated military structures." This label is synonymous with an EU
army under German command.[1]

"Totally New Quality"

An agreement providing for close cooperation between the German and Polish Navies was signed by the
two countries in late May of last year. (german-foreign-policy.com reported.[2]) The accord contains 28
"projects," ranging from "joint training," and "joint surveillance of the Baltic Sea Area" to "joint combat
missions."[3] The significance of mines and submarine warfare were stressed particularly in the
"Declaration of Intent." Reference was also made to the "interoperability" of the German and Polish
Navies, which, among other things, can be seen in the fact that both Navies use RBS 15 MK3 (robot
system missiles for maritime and land-based targets).[4] This missile, according to the manufacturers,
German Diehl BGT Defence company and the Swedish Saab Dynamics, disposes of a range of over 200
km and the capability of circumventing islands. Its low altitude flight path and its "unpredictable evasive
maneuvers in the final flight stage" provides it with a "high degree of efficiency," in regards to avoiding
enemy anti-aircraft defenses.[5] Similar to the current defense minister, the Minister of Defense at the
time, Thomas de Maizière (CDU) had emphasized the "totally new quality" of the German-Polish military
cooperation sealed with that naval agreement. At the time, there was obviously no question of the German
claim to leadership. As the Bundeswehr acknowledged after the signing, de Maizière's counterpart,
Siemoniak, "explicitly" expressed his gratitude for the cooperation - after all, it "is particularly important
for the further conceptual development of the Polish Navy."[6]

Direct Links
The "interoperability" and "further development" of the Polish armed forces is also served by their being
equipped with Leopard 2 battle tanks, developed by the German company, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann. The
Polish army already has more than 130 of these tanks, and is due to acquire around 120 more by 2015. A
sales contract to this effect was signed last year, a few months after the accord "reinforcing" cooperation
between the Navies of the two countries. De Maizière, Defense Minister at the time, called the deal
"another component of the very close and persisting cooperation between the armed forces of our two
countries."[7] The Leopard 2 is used by the 11th Polish Armored Cavalry Div., which is linked via a
liaison officer to the 1st Armored Div. of the German Bundeswehr. Evidently, the intention is to further
expand this model of cooperation with the Polish armed forces. According to a Bundeswehr
announcement, the 43rd Mechanized Brigade of the Netherlands is soon scheduled to be placed under the
direct command of the Bundeswehr's 1st Armored Div.[8]

Key Role
As a good example of German-Polish military cooperation, military circles like to point to the
collaboration within the "Multinational Corps Northeast" (MNC NE), headquartered in Poland's Szczecin.
The German military's Inspector General, Bruno Kasdorf, recently referred to it as "our largest joint
project."[9] The unit, formed in 1999 under the initiative of Germany, Poland and Denmark, is a
permanent feature in NATO's European command structure and, according to the Bundeswehr, is capable
of "commanding major multinational units." As the military explains, the MNC NE plays a "key role in the
integration of new members in the framework of NATO's eastward expansion."[10] Members of the corps,
which is alternatively commanded by a German and a Polish general, have done multiple tours of duty in
Afghanistan. After Poland, Germany accounts for the second largest contingent and, thanks to this fact, has
a military base on Polish territory. The Bundeswehr maintains an on-base administrative office at the MNC
NE headquarters, which, according to the Bundeswehr's own accounts, is in charge of "assistance of all
German service personnel, civilian employees and their families in Poland" - this, includes "plans for
maneuvers in Poland with the participation of German troops."[11]

"Eurocorps"
In 2016, Poland is scheduled to become a member of the Strasburg France-based "Eurocorps". In the early
1990s, this unit, comprised of Germans, French, Spaniards and Belgians, was conceived as the EU's
military headquarters and took on several command responsibilities in the framework of various wars of
aggression - for example in Serbia's Kosovo province and in Afghanistan. If necessary, "Eurocorps,"
which, at regular intervals, provides personnel for NATO's rapid deployment force, can field up to 60,000
combat troops. As the Bundeswehr explained, the Eurocorps, therefore, provides the "basis for an efficient
Army of Europe with an autonomous command structure."[12]
[1] Absichtserklärung zu einer Deutsch-Polnischen Heereskooperation. www.bmvg.de 29.10.2014.
[2] See Under German Command.
[3] Vertiefung der deutsch-polnischen Zusammenarbeit. www.marine.de 27.05.2013.
[4] Declaration of Intent between the Federal Ministry of Defence of the Federal Republic of Germany and
the Minister of National Defence of the Republic of Poland on Enhanced Maritime Cooperation. Rostock-
Warnemünde 27.05.2013.
[5] Lenkflugkörper RBS15 Mk3. www.diehl.com.
[6] Vertiefung der deutsch-polnischen Zusammenarbeit. www.marine.de 27.05.2013.
[7] Deutschland und Polen unterzeichnen Vertrag zum Kauf von Leopard Kampfpanzern. www.bmvg.de
22.11.2013.
[8] Erstes Arbeitstreffen zwischen 1. Panzerdivision und der 43. Niederländischen Mechanisierten
Brigade. www.deutschesheer.de 24.09.2014.
[9] Inspekteur des Heeres zu Gast beim Tag der Polnischen Streitkräfte in Warschau.
www.deutschesheer.de 19.08.2013.
[10] Multinationales Korps Nordost. www.deutschesheer.de 22.08.2014.
[11] Bundeswehrverwaltungsstelle Polen. www.iud.bundeswehr.de 02.12.2013.
[12] Eurokorps. www.deutschesheer.de 30.09.2014.

The German Path to an EU Army (II)

BERLIN | 11/03/2014
11/03/2014
BERLIN (Own report) - Prominent German think tanks and politicians are calling for the
establishment of an EU army. To this effect, "integration options" in military policy are
viewed as appropriate, for example, at the German Institute for International and Security
Affairs (SWP). In a paper published by the German Ministry of Defense, an SWP researcher
writes that the current financial crisis has clearly shown some European countries that
"sovereignty built on autonomy is illusory." However, to prevent possible reservations of
some EU member countries, the author recommends avoiding the label "European army."
Efforts tending in the same direction but "under a different name" would have "more chances
of success." The Vice President of the European Parliament, Alexander Graf Lambsdorff
(FDP) of Germany, has expressed a similar view. "Only a European approach" to military
matters can assure that the "economic giant" Germany will not remain a "political dwarf"
when enforcing "western values and interests," Lambsdorff declared in a newspaper article.

Caution in Terminology
According to the government-affiliated German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP),
there are "good reasons" for establishing an EU army. In a paper published on the website of the German
Ministry of Defense, Claudia Major, Deputy Director of the SWP's "Security Policy Research Group,"
wrote that particularly the transformation of the USA's global role and the current "financial crisis" offer
"new options for European integration." Because the United States will be "more tied up in Asia and
Africa" in the future, the EU has to "assume more responsibility around the world." The "financial crisis"
has clearly shown that "national sovereignty built on autonomy is illusory." "The EU countries must make
cut backs and gradually accept that solutions must be found at a European level." The author, however,
explicitly calls for "caution in the use of terminology," because countries, such as Great Britain, would not
"support a project labeled 'European army' in the foreseeable future." "Efforts leading in the same
direction, but under a different label, would have more chances of success."[1]

Vanguard Forces
Based on these considerations, the SWP researcher outlines "two paths to a European army." The first
path, according to her, would be to encourage military policy cooperation between the governments of the
EU member countries. This "enhanced" cooperation could lead to the establishment of more joint combat
units, such as the "EU Battle Groups," which could serve as the "nucleus of a European army," the author
explains. The second path would be the "transfer of national prerogatives to the EU." This would be the
only route to lead ultimately to an "integrated European army" with "European command structures,"
which "no longer would be dependant on decisions by individual European countries," according to the
author. Since the EU members are not yet ready to comprehensively "transfer their sovereignty," only the
"coexistence of national armies with initial vanguard forces of a European army" is possible today.[2]

Military Requisites Planning

The SWP researcher sees the creation of a "common European arms market" as another possibility for
establishing an EU army. Bilateral projects in the area of arms development and production are particularly
well suited for this purpose, explained the scholar. "They could ... enhance the interoperability of the
groups of states, the engagement capability of these groups in periods of austerity and serve as models for
other countries, if successful."[3] Recently, Hans-Georg Ehrhart, of the Institute for Peace Research and
Security Policy (IFSH) in Hamburg, expressed a similar view in an interview in the German business
press. Ehrhart calls for removing "national hurdles" to establish a "functioning European arms market" and
spoke in favor of EU countries engaging in joint "military requisites planning." Like Claudia Major, of the
SWP, Ehrhart also does his best to avoid the term "EU army." Instead, he refers to a "closer cooperation"
in the area of military policy. "That should not be called the European army, just as we do not refer to
NATO as the Atlantic army."[4]

Comprehensive Armament Cooperation

Ehrhart and Major's statements show clear similarities to those of the European politician Alexander Graf
Lambsdorff (FDP) from Germany. Vice President of the EU Parliament, Lambsdorff recently demanded
that the German government follow the example of the "comprehensive armament cooperation"
established between Great Britain and France. "It is high time that Germany takes this path."[5] London
and Paris reached military policy accords in November 2010, with the intention of maintaining their
capacity for military intervention, even without German approval. This has led German government
advisors to begin referring to a new "Entente Cordiale." (german-foreign-policy.com reported.[6])
Lambsdorff is now demanding that the "tangible shaping up of our European armed forces" should be the
primary objective of Germany's bilateral projects, otherwise Germany will remain "an economic giant and
a political dwarf, when it involves seriously defending western values and interests." According to
statements made by the FDP politician, he favors the idea of an EU army. The question is merely whether
such a project "would fit into the existing institutions" or whether "something new" must be devised.[7]

Concrete Steps
The Chair of the Defense Committee of the German Bundestag, Hans-Peter Bartels (SPD) agrees with
Lambsdorff's position. According to Bartels, the time has come for "taking concrete steps toward a
European army." As argumentation, Bartels refers, in an interview, to the tight budgetary situation of many
EU countries, the civil war in Ukraine and the wars of aggression being waged with troops from EU
countries. "We have too little money, and we also have new challenges in security policy. However, we
have learned, over the past few years, to cooperate closely in missions abroad. Therefore, why should we
not also use this in the basic functioning of our armed forces?"[8] With this thesis, Bartels is edging up to
the line of codified military policy contained in the German government's coalition contract, signed by the
SPD and the CDU. In that document, one reads: "We are striving for an ever closer association of
European armed forces, which can develop into a parliamentary-controlled European army."[9]

The Bundeswehr as Trailblazer

Leading German media organs have also begun openly propagating the creation of an EU army. This can
also be seen in headlines such as "Europe Ultimately Needs a Common Army."[10] Reference is generally
made to the numerous "cooperation projects" agreed upon between the German armed forces and those of
other EU states. The transfer of paratroopers and cavalry units from the Netherlands to the German
command is considered a particularly good model. (german-foreign-policy.com reported.[11]) It is being
reasoned that, thanks to the "global situation" and "austerity pressure," a "vision is becoming reality" - "the
Bundeswehr is the trailblazer for a European Army."[12]
[1], [2], [3] Claudia Major (SWP): Legitimation und Umrisse einer Europa-Armee. www.bmvg.de
02.01.2014.
[4] Die Bundeswehr muss zur EU-Armee werden. Interview mit Hans-Georg Ehrhart (IFSH).
www.wiwo.de 06.10.2014.
[5] Alexander Graf Lambsdorff: Deutsche Verteidigung muss jetzt europäisch werden. www.welt.de
28.09.2014.
[6] See The New Entente Cordiale.
[7] Alexander Graf Lambsdorff: Deutsche Verteidigung muss jetzt europäisch werden. www.welt.de
28.09.2014.
[8] Deutschland treibt das Projekt Europaarmee voran. www.welt.de 07.08.2014.
[9] Deutschlands Zukunft gestalten. Koalitionsvertrag zwischen CDU, CSU und SPD. 18.
Legislaturperiode. Berlin, November 2013.
[10] Thomas Straubhaar: Europa braucht endlich eine gemeinsame Armee. www.welt.de 30.09.2014.
[11] See The German Path to an EU Army (I) and Under German Command.
[12] Helmut Michelis: Europa-Armee fasst Tritt. www.rp-online.de 27.10.2014.

The German Path to an EU Army (III)

BERLIN/THE HAGUE | 11/05/2014 | niederlande
11/05/2014
BERLIN/THE HAGUE (Own report) - German politicians, military officials and the media
consider the subordination of combat units of other European nations to German Bundeswehr
command to be a role model for a future EU army. The integration of a paratrooper unit from
the Netherlands into the German Army's covert operations and counter-insurgency unit of the
Rapid Forces Division (DSK) is considered a "milestone of integration." An armored
contingent from the Netherlands will soon be integrated into a German cavalry unit, along the
same lines. The European Air Transport Command (EATC) stationed in Eindhoven, the
Netherlands - currently under a German commanding officer - is also being praised as an
"effective model of cooperation." According to its own accounts, the Bundeswehr sees the
EATC as a clear extension of its "radius of operations," providing bases stretching "from be
the Baltic Sea almost to Gibraltar."

Unprecedented Loss of Sovereignty

As the German press puts it, the Bundeswehr is the "trailblazer for a European army."[1] The
subordination of the Netherlands' 11th Airborne Brigade under the German Army's Rapid Forces Division
(DSK) command is presented as evidence. (The DSK is specialized in covert operations and counter-
insurgency.) "Never before has a European country's military unit been included in a major military unit of
another European country. No state has ever renounced on this fundamental core component of its
sovereignty." "Without a doubt," this makes the armed forces of the Netherlands and of Germany "the
vanguard."[2]

Model for the EU

Last summer's, subordination of the 11th Airborne Brigade of the Netherlands under the DSK's command
was accompanied by massive propaganda in favor of the creation of an EU army. For example, at a DSK
mustering ceremony in Stadtallendorf, German Defense Minister, Ursula von der Leyen (CDU), in the
presence of her counterpart from the Netherlands, Jeanine Hennis-Plaschaert, spoke of a "new era" in the
two countries' cooperation. This era corresponds to "the optimal European spirit" and has the wherewithal
to serve as a "model" for a "joint defense and security policy."[3] The Bundeswehr then declared that the
armies of Germany and the Netherlands are now "marching in the front ranks of progress."[4] The new
"subordination relationship" is a "historically unique, unprecedented occurrence."[5]

Growing Together
The DSK - which also includes the German (KSK) Special Forces Commandos, which had been involved
in extrajudicial executions in Afghanistan - hopes to greatly enhance its combat strength by taking
command of the 11th Airborne Brigade of the Netherlands. The two units are oriented toward similar
combat scenarios. According to the DSK, these include "operations against unconventional forces" such as
"terrorists, guerrillas or partisans," but also commando actions "behind enemy lines," as well as attacks
with the objective of "quickly assuming control of elements of infrastructure, such as ports or airfields."[6]
According to the Bundeswehr, the fact that Germans are commanding is not an issue for the airborne
troops from the Netherlands, who have participated in wars in Yugoslavia, Iraq and in Afghanistan - on the
contrary. As proof, the Bundeswehr quotes one of the "old guard" of the airborne brigade: "we, as a
brigade, can also learn from the German concept. What we, from the Netherlands, contribute is a good
operational planning. If we put that all together, we will have a very good organization." Another - one of
the "newer members on the team" - is quoted saying, "we should train together and fight together. ... I
believe, it is good, if we all develop together into one good army."[7]

Experienced Headquarters
At the First German/Netherlands Corps (GNC), stationed near Münster, Germany's massive drive for
military cooperation has long since become reality. Created in 1995, the unit of 1,100 can, if needed, be
available within a few days to both NATO and the EU for combat missions anywhere in the world.
Consisting of military officers from Germany and the Netherlands, the corps commando, serving NATO as
its "headquarters on high alert," has participated in combat operations in Afghanistan and, according to its
own accounts, has a "highly mobile, totally self-sustaining command post, that can be used completely
independently of local infrastructure."[8] The unit's motto is "Communitate Valemus" - "Together, We are
Strong."

Break Resistance
The 1st GNC sharpens its prowess in maneuvers such as "Reliable Sword." This past May, according to
the Ministry of Defense of the Netherlands, this maneuver was held in the vicinity of Nieuw Milligen on
the basis of the following scenario: "armed insurgents are endangering the stability of a fictitious country.
The government of the country called on the international community for help in restoring domestic
tranquility."[9] This script bears a strong resemblance to the Ukrainian situation and includes classical
paratrooper operations aimed at militarily breaking the resistance of the insurgents. The program also had a
"civilian-military cooperation" accompaniment. According to the Bundeswehr, the training included
"intensive communication with civilian, official and non-governmental organizations, as well as with local
representatives of the country of the mission."[10] German President Joachim Gauck, one of those
observing the maneuvers, announced how "utterly impressed" he was at the German/Netherlands military
cooperation: "I have learned a very good sentence here: We must know one another, before we need one
another. Obviously, that pays off in crisis regions."[11]

Additional Plans of Integration

The participation of the 11th Airborne Brigade from the Netherlands was also essential in the "Reliable
Sword" maneuver. The 11th Airborne is now being placed under German DSK command. Evidently, this
cooperation model will soon be further expanded. The 43rd Mechanized Brigade of the Netherlands is to
merge into the Bundeswehr's 1st Cavalry Division. According to the German armed forces, both units
recently held a "workshop," wherein DSK staff officers reported on "the meaning of a major German unit's
expanded cooperation with its counterpart from the Netherlands."[12] The Bundeswehr even has a direct
influence on the training of soldiers from the Netherlands. They are being instructed in the use of the
armored-howitzer 2000 at the Bundeswehr's artillery school in Idar-Oberstein. That weapons system,
produced by the German arms manufacturers Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Rheinmetall, known for its
devastating destruction, was last used in Afghanistan.

Global Mobility
The German armed forces praise its cooperation within the framework of the European Air Transport
Command (EATC) as particularly "effective." That unit stationed in Eindhoven (Netherlands) coordinates
the missions of the air transport fleets of EU members Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium,
Luxemburg, and Spain. The primary objective, according to the German military, is the "creation of global
mobility" of troops and combat material - for example in "support of special forces operations."[13]
Particularly Spain's joining EATC - which since July is under a German commander - has been
enthusiastically welcomed by the German Air Force. This has significantly extended one's own "radius of
operations." "A multi-national air transport fleet, whose bases of operations reach from the Baltic Sea
almost to Gibraltar, is at the disposal of the Bundeswehr."[14]
Please read also The German Path to an EU Army (I) and The German Path to an EU Army (II).
[1] Europa-Armee fasst Tritt. www.rp-online.de 27.10.2014.
[2] Deutschland treibt das Projekt Europaarmee voran. www.welt.de 07.08.2014.
[3] Rede der Ministerin Ursula von der Leyen in Stadtallendorf. www.bmvg.de 12.06.2014.
[4] Starkes Zeichen für gemeinsame Verantwortung in Europa. www.bmvg.de 13.06.2014.
[5] Die Neuen im Team. www.y-punkt.de 11.03.2014.
[6] Division Schnelle Kräfte - Auftrag. www.deutschesheer.de 25.08.2014.
[7] Die Neuen im Team. www.y-punkt.de 11.03.2014.
[8] I. Deutsch-Niederländisches Korps - Auftrag und Kräfte. www.deutschesheer.de 25.11.2013.
[9] Scenario en verloop Reliable Sword. www.defensie.nl.
[10] Stabilisierungs-Mission im holländischen Regierungsviertel. www.deutschesheer.de 19.05.2014.
[11] Bundespräsident und Generalinspekteur besuchen "Reliable Sword". www.bmvg.de 14.05.2014.
[12] Erstes Arbeitstreffen zwischen 1. Panzerdivision und der 43. Niederländischen Mechanisierten
Brigade. www.deutschesheer.de 24.09.2014.
[13] Europäisches Lufttransportkommando (EATC) - Auftrag. www.luftwaffe.de 11.07.2014.
[14] Deutschland übernimmt die Führung beim europäischen Lufttransport. www.luftwaffe.de 04.07.2014