Czech President Petr Pavel, a former NATO Military Committee chairman, argues that Europe should focus on strengthening NATO’s European pillar rather than pursuing an EU army. Speaking to Czech Television on Sunday, he pushed for negotiations with the U.S. to formalize this pillar, allowing it to handle “purely European operations.”
Pavel dismissed the idea of an independent EU military, calling it a lengthy, complicated project requiring unanimous approval from all member states. His remarks came in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s call for a European army at the Munich Security Conference.
“Europe’s greater defense autonomy makes sense, but we should build on what’s already in place,” he insisted. NATO’s European pillar, he pointed out, is well-developed and could be adapted for European-led missions—with or without U.S. participation. Ultimately, Washington’s role would depend on its own strategic choices.
“This approach is faster, more practical, and would make Europe more self-reliant,” Pavel added. Strengthening NATO’s European arm, he argued, would give the continent more control over its security while reducing dependence on the U.S.
Beyond military strategy, Pavel stressed that Europe must assert its own interests in any Ukraine peace negotiations, making its red lines and priorities clear—especially to Washington.
