Ukrainian War, Picerno (Pd): "The EU needs a voice and a single army"

“Common European Army? It only makes sense if the EU becomes a single body”

The Russian-Ukrainian crisis has rekindled the spotlight on many defense-related issues. These include the need for the creation of a single European army, a project that has been talked about in Brussels for some time, but which has never really come to fruition so far. The Vice-President of the European Parliament, Pina Piciernoan important exponent of the Democratic Party, addresses the issue in an interview with Affaritaliani.it.

Single European Army, what do you think and where is the discussion?

“The debate on European common defense and the creation of a supranational army is very dated and over time has slowed down due to international crises. This time it is back on the agenda with the urgency of a war on our doorstep and to keep it alive, it is also necessary to structure the creation of a common foreign and energy policy. The common army makes sense if we have a common energy policy and more generally a common foreign policy. The energy factor is once again central to relations between nations. I am confident because it is no longer a requirement of a few, but the common thinking of almost all the Member States. The aggression against Ukraine in terms of terms and timing has made it clear that the common challenge has evolved. And that if Europe wants to equip itself to support it, it is not enough to speak with a single voice, but it must also be a single body, including that of defense ”.

Do you believe that the unity shown at this moment by the EU in its response to the Russian invasion could be called into question by the consequences that the sanctions on Moscow will have, especially for some member states?

“Europe’s response was exemplary and immediately cracked Putin’s attempt to split the Western front. We have traveled the only road possible, because we are facing an unprecedented event. The attack by Russia is a threat to the world order. A clear, firm and uncompromising response was needed against Putin’s action which violated Ukraine’s territorial integrity and international law. No penalty can therefore be considered excessive in this case. It is clear that compactness is also needed in building an economic protection, not far from the idea of ’Recovery’, which allows to support the European countries and the most exposed economic sectors and to make them face possible turbulence. But as already demonstrated also with the pandemic, the European Union is able to activate and initiate mechanisms of mutual support so that no country finds itself alone in difficulties. One thing is certain and it must be said, these sanctions will hit the Putin regime because they will erode the vital ganglia of the Russian system, at all levels: economic, commercial, banking and financial. This is already happening and it is foreseeable that in a short time it will erode the consensus of the circle closest to him ”.

Do you expect the European Parliament to demonstrate unity on Ukraine’s accession to the EU?

“The European Parliament on Tuesday 1 March has already sent a very strong message, with a motion in support of the Ukrainian people and to guarantee Ukraine’s accession path to the European Union. The motion has gathered a broad convergence, immediately following the appeal launched by Zelensky just before the European Parliament. Ukraine cannot in any way feel lonely or abandoned, their expectations must be met quickly. Proclamations and declarations of support and solidarity are not enough. We must affirm a decisive principle, through a strong political response, such as the accession of Ukraine to the EU. Let’s put aside any bureaucratic approach and show that Europe is not a sum of parameters. Today more than ever is the time for politics, to be built by focusing on a clear strategic vision. We cannot ignore the request of a friendly and allied people, who ask us for a concrete intervention, while heroically resisting under the bombs of a mad criminal. It’s time for the facts now ”.