EU Defence Chief Proposes Standing Military Force to Reduce Reliance on US Troops

EU countries should consider creating a combined military force that could eventually replace US troops in Europe, the bloc’s defence commissioner suggested on Tuesday. Andrius Kubilius proposed the idea of a “powerful, standing European military force” of 100,000 troops during a speech in Sweden.

Kubilius highlighted the reliance of European countries on the United States for security, asking, “How will we replace the 100,000-strong American standing military force, which is the backbone military force in Europe?”

The proposal comes amid growing unease among Nato allies over the reliability of US commitments. US President Donald Trump has intensified concerns by insisting he wants to take control of Greenland, prompting fears that Washington may prioritize other strategic interests over European security.

Several European nations have already increased defence spending in response to the perceived threat from Russia, and discussions about a central European army have surfaced repeatedly over the past decades. However, such plans have struggled to gain traction, as member states are reluctant to cede control over national armed forces.

Kubilius noted that the United States has encouraged European countries to assume greater responsibility for their own defence and has suggested it could redeploy forces from Europe to focus on China. “In such times, we should not run away from the most pressing questions on our institutional defence readiness,” he said.

In addition to the standing force, Kubilius called for the creation of a “European Security Council” to streamline defence decision-making. He suggested that the council could include key permanent members, with additional rotational members, and potentially involve Britain. The body would aim to enable faster, coordinated responses to security challenges on the continent.

Kubilius, a former Lithuanian prime minister, stressed that Europe needs to explore all options to strengthen its defence posture and reduce dependency on external powers. Analysts say such proposals may gain renewed attention as geopolitical uncertainties and tensions with Russia continue to shape European security planning.

While the idea of a European military force remains highly ambitious and politically sensitive, Kubilius’s remarks signal that the EU is actively debating ways to enhance its strategic autonomy. The formation of a European Security Council could complement these efforts, giving major powers within the bloc a platform to make rapid defence decisions collectively.

The proposal has yet to receive formal backing from EU member states, and significant political and logistical hurdles remain. However, Kubilius’s speech indicates that the discussion on Europe’s defence independence is gaining momentum, reflecting broader concerns about the future role of US forces on the continent.