'How Will We Replace US Troops?': EU Defence Chief Says Bloc Should Consider Joint Military Force

Last Updated:January 11, 2026, 22:46 IST

EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius urges forming a 100000-strong European military force and a European Security Council to address US troop uncertainty.

Members of the Swedish military stand in front of an RBS15 anti-ship missile system at the Tofta firing range on Gotland, Sweden, September 24, 2025. REUTERS/Tom Little

European Union countries should consider forming a combined military force that could eventually replace US troops stationed in Europe, the bloc’s defence chief said on Sunday, amid growing concerns about Washington’s long-term commitment to European security.

EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius suggested creating a powerful, standing “European military force" of around 100,000 troops to safeguard the continent better. Speaking in Sweden, he questioned how Europe would compensate for any potential reduction in the US military presence. “How will we replace the 100,000-strong American standing military force, which is the backbone military force in Europe?" he asked.

Kubilius’ remarks come at a time when Donald Trump has unsettled NATO allies by raising questions over US reliability, including repeated assertions about taking over Greenland. Such rhetoric has intensified anxiety among European capitals already wary of Russia and uncertain about Washington’s future strategic priorities.

Fears over US commitment have pushed several European countries to accelerate efforts to strengthen their own militaries. The United States has long urged European allies to shoulder more responsibility for their defence and has also signalled it could shift forces away from Europe to focus more heavily on China.

Although the idea of a centralised European army has circulated for years, it has struggled to gain momentum as member states remain reluctant to cede control over their national armed forces. Kubilius acknowledged these sensitivities but said the current geopolitical climate demands bold thinking. “In such times, we should not run away from the most pressing questions on our institutional defence readiness," said the former Lithuanian prime minister.

Beyond a joint military force, Kubilius also proposed setting up a “European Security Council" comprising key powers—potentially including the United Kingdom—to enable faster decision-making on defence matters. He suggested the body could consist of 10 to 12 members, combining permanent and rotating seats, tasked with addressing Europe’s most critical security challenges.

Kubilius said a top priority for such a council should be altering the trajectory of the war in Ukraine to ensure Kyiv does not lose the conflict. “We need to have a clear answer—how is the EU going to change that scenario?" he said, adding, “This is the reason why we need to have a European Security Council now."

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