Post by Joey on Nov 19, 2018 9:17:50 GMT 10
German chancellor Angela Merkel has risked further ire from United States president Donald Trump over the future of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) following an impassioned call for an integrated European Union military force.
Her comments overnight to the European Parliament came as Mr Trump lashed French President Emmanuel Macron on Twitter over his suggestion last week for a European defence force, as well attacking French tariffs on US wine and Mr Macron’s approval ratings.
The litany of tweeted complaints served to underscore tensions between the once-chummy leaders and laid bare Mr Trump’s irritation over criticism stemming from his latest trip abroad.
Mrs Merkel said: “What is really important, if we look at the developments of the past year, is that we have to work on a vision of one day creating a real, true European army.’’
To a mixed reception of boos from nationalists and enthusiastic applause from others, Mrs Merkel said such armed forces would not undermine the US-led military alliance NATO but could be complementary to it. She referenced the European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker who has been promoting a European army concept for four years, insisting this would show the world there would never again be war in Europe. “This is not an army against NATO, it can be a good complement to NATO,” she said.
Mrs Merkel appeared to criticise the United States, in particular Mr Trump’s withdrawal of the United States from the nuclear treaty in her remarks.
“The time when we could rely on others is over,” Mrs Merkel said.
“Europe must take our fate into our own hands if we want to protect our community.
“I will propose the establishment of a European Security Council with a rotating presidency.”
Mr Macron had made similar pronouncements last week before the Armistice Day commemorations. On Europe 1 television he said: “I believe in the project of a sovereign Europe. We won’t protect Europe if we don’t decide to have a true European army.
“We have to have a Europe that can defend itself alone — and without only relying on the United States in a more sovereign manner.
“We should protect ourselves when it comes to China, Russia and even the United States of America.’’
French government officials later clarified the remark insisting Mr Macron was referring to US decisions, not any kind of military aggression.
Last week Mr Trump criticised that French position saying: “President Macron of France has just suggested that Europe build its own military in order to protect itself from the US, China and Russia.
“Very insulting, but perhaps Europe should first pay its fair share of NATO, which the US subsidises greatly!’’
This morning Mr Trump repeated his fury about the funding of NATO, even before Mrs Merkel made her speech.
The US President lashed out at his French counterpart over military spending and trade, two days after returning from a trip to Paris that exposed the underlying tensions between the leaders.
In a series of tweets, Mr Trump criticised Mr Macron over his struggle to overhaul France’s economy, castigated Mr Macron’s suggestion that Europe needs to be more self-sufficient in its own defence and called for France to contribute more to NATO.
“Emmanuel Macron suggests building its own army to protect Europe against the U.S., China and Russia. But it was Germany in World Wars One & Two - How did that work out for France?” Mr. Trump wrote.
“They were starting to learn German in Paris before the U.S. came along. Pay for NATO or not!”
Her comments overnight to the European Parliament came as Mr Trump lashed French President Emmanuel Macron on Twitter over his suggestion last week for a European defence force, as well attacking French tariffs on US wine and Mr Macron’s approval ratings.
The litany of tweeted complaints served to underscore tensions between the once-chummy leaders and laid bare Mr Trump’s irritation over criticism stemming from his latest trip abroad.
Mrs Merkel said: “What is really important, if we look at the developments of the past year, is that we have to work on a vision of one day creating a real, true European army.’’
To a mixed reception of boos from nationalists and enthusiastic applause from others, Mrs Merkel said such armed forces would not undermine the US-led military alliance NATO but could be complementary to it. She referenced the European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker who has been promoting a European army concept for four years, insisting this would show the world there would never again be war in Europe. “This is not an army against NATO, it can be a good complement to NATO,” she said.
Mrs Merkel appeared to criticise the United States, in particular Mr Trump’s withdrawal of the United States from the nuclear treaty in her remarks.
“The time when we could rely on others is over,” Mrs Merkel said.
“Europe must take our fate into our own hands if we want to protect our community.
“I will propose the establishment of a European Security Council with a rotating presidency.”
Mr Macron had made similar pronouncements last week before the Armistice Day commemorations. On Europe 1 television he said: “I believe in the project of a sovereign Europe. We won’t protect Europe if we don’t decide to have a true European army.
“We have to have a Europe that can defend itself alone — and without only relying on the United States in a more sovereign manner.
“We should protect ourselves when it comes to China, Russia and even the United States of America.’’
French government officials later clarified the remark insisting Mr Macron was referring to US decisions, not any kind of military aggression.
Last week Mr Trump criticised that French position saying: “President Macron of France has just suggested that Europe build its own military in order to protect itself from the US, China and Russia.
“Very insulting, but perhaps Europe should first pay its fair share of NATO, which the US subsidises greatly!’’
This morning Mr Trump repeated his fury about the funding of NATO, even before Mrs Merkel made her speech.
The US President lashed out at his French counterpart over military spending and trade, two days after returning from a trip to Paris that exposed the underlying tensions between the leaders.
In a series of tweets, Mr Trump criticised Mr Macron over his struggle to overhaul France’s economy, castigated Mr Macron’s suggestion that Europe needs to be more self-sufficient in its own defence and called for France to contribute more to NATO.
“Emmanuel Macron suggests building its own army to protect Europe against the U.S., China and Russia. But it was Germany in World Wars One & Two - How did that work out for France?” Mr. Trump wrote.
“They were starting to learn German in Paris before the U.S. came along. Pay for NATO or not!”
www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/angela-merkel-joins-frances-call-for-european-army-as-donald-trump-unleashes-on-emanuel-macron/news-story/15e776e81b04f4e75d609516eb379a6d
A powerful army controlled by Germany, now where have I heard of that happening before....?
Would be interesting to see if it gets off the ground around the same time that England tells the EU to go F itself