A European army : the difficulties in setting up Europcorps and the establishment of a European army

Abstract

Needless to say the U.S played its part in preserving the freedoms of the people in the Western part of Europe and as the Iron Curtain draw shut, the barriers between the two sides became even more difficult for both parties. The establishment of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation was the forefront to European defence as a whole, but with the end of the Cold War, Europe questioned its significance in the new global theatre. With the signing of treaties that shaped the European Union to what it is today, the Member States sought to establish more than just economical policies, but began to realise that they shared something else in common; a need for a security/defence policy. Ties with NATO began to loosen, however, till today some would rather preserve the close bonds with NATO, since it has served reasonably well so far. The main question is, what were the difficulties and resistances faced by Eurocorps prior to being established and how did Europe- and the rest of the world, react to the initial agenda of having an army of Europe; bearing in mind its peacekeeping agenda? Throughout my research, the main consequence of the Franco-German relationship provided the impetus towards a Europe responsible for its own defence (since the Elysee Treaty). However, the political struggles for power took its toll between the two and often negotiations frozen; other variables would include opposition from both the U.S as well as other WEU states. Today, Eurocorps has achieved a pioneer status with regards to European security, setting the bar high after a painstaking process of evolutions within the corps, as well as reformations within NATO.