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Thursday, 2 September 2021 (YJC)_ European Parliament President said that the latest events in Afghanistan had further necessitated the need for European defense.
European Parliament President Josep Borrell stated on Thursday that the latest events in Afghanistan had further necessitated the need for European defence.
Speaking at an informal meeting of EU defence ministers in Slovenia, Borrell said that the chaotic western troop exit from Afghanistan may become a catalyst for the bloc to develop its own common defence, which could involve a rapid reaction force.
"Sometimes there are events that catalyse history, that create a breakthrough, and I think that Afghanistan is one of these cases", he underscored.
Borrell also insisted that the EU should "look for something more operational" as he called for the creation of a "first entry force". According to him, "the need for more, stronger European defence is more evident that ever".
The remarks come after General Kenneth McKenzie, commander of US Central Command, on 30 August, announced the end of America's almost 20-year military mission in Afghanistan.
The CENTCOM commander said that while US forces have reached the conclusion of their evacuation mission in Afghanistan, a "diplomatic mission" remains as Washington works to ensure the safe departure of fleeing Afghans, third-country nationals, and US citizens who were eligible to travel, but chose to stay for whatever reason.
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