To show our power to America is definatly the right decision. We are greater then them, ecomomically and we have a larger popualtion, and would have a larger armed forces. We can all keep our individual national status, but also unite to become the superpower, which we already are in any ways:
Economicaly
population
aid deployment
and we are expanding out and out into the middle east. Who know how far it can stretch.

Dan, HARTLEPOOL, BRITAIN

I find it a bit awkward that the country that devotes the least ammount of financial resources to its own defence compared to all other countries in Europe (meager 1.1% of German GDP goes to the military) wants to form an EU army.

Like, I'd like to pool my resources with Bill Gates too, so we can call them common resources.

Brale_st, Split, Croatia

I think EUFOR ( European Union Force) is an excellent idea. It will not only make the American's take us seriously, but, it will help back up our influence with our countries that stand in the way of the EU's invested interests: democratic stability and economic prosperity.
Long Live the EU.

adam, Inverness, inverness-shire

European army was bound to happen considering the world in which we live in. We need the security and protection it enables us. I am all for it. Long live Europa and EU!

Andrija Perisic, Zagreb, Croatia ( candidate state )

I think that the EU army is a good thing. Not only will Europe be more cohesive but it will also be protected far better then it is today. I say Frau Merkel has a clear vision of the EU future. It is also good to have an alternative to the incompetent UN and wild USA.

Andrija Perisic, Zagreb, Croatia

I am against a european army, because some will inevitably contribute more than others. Some countries will be unable to contribute to a large armed force as their constitution will not allow it i.e. Austria. In addition, how would it work? European countries cannot decide on basic agricultural issues let alone where to send an army.
One good side is that perhaps it would show the US a thing or two, they tend to forget that Britain, France, The Netherlands and Germany created the world they live in.

Thomas Brittion, Plymouth,

i think that europe should have an army and that we should destroy all oposing forces and rule the world go fortress europe!!!!!!

bob harly, london, England

Such ingratitude for all time we've saved your lives, and your freedom...

Grant McDonald, Minneapolis, USA

I tink Europe should have an unified army,fully independent from nato, not for making wars but keep peace and freedom in the world,something that the US army does not promote anymore,US army promotes controled states,kind of puppet regimes,the world needs true freedom,(including the US),and the only power capable to deliver that freedom is Europe,bacause of its own history(that shaped the almost the entire world),its own mistakes,that makes Europe the most civilized country, and Europe as well of an european army would be the greatest simbol of peace,freedom ,end equality not only for europeans,but for all mankind.

Luís Cortez, Lisbon, Europe(Portugal province)

Great idea! I really hope it happens because we need another kind of superpower, one that is not ruled by the USA.

AJ, Edinbrugh, United Kingdom

So, let me get this straight...If the EU forms an army it will be for "peace-keeping", unlike the vile USA, who's army is for fighting wars? ...gee maybe you could be just like the (feckless) UN,and solve all the world's problems by sitting on your worthless behinds and condemning anything and everyone who doesn't subscribe to your beloved Communist/Socialist/Totalitarian sense of superiority.Now,who is it that hasn't learned anything from history? I will tell you that the only reason I am glad that we entered WII, is that it put an end to your genecide of your hated Jews. The rest of you ingrates weren't worth a drop of our blood...Have a good life.

Betty Johnson, Tucson, AZ. USA

Angela Merkel is of course referring to the army that Germany has been building since the fall of the Berlin Wall using conscription, while member states armed forces are depleted.
The big decisions in the EU are taken away from true democracy, and rubber stamped by tame Members of the European Parliament who have no influence on the decisions.
NATO is the reason that there has been peace, not the presence of a wannabee federal EU State, and if the EU isn't careful it will be the cause of another war in Europe, as the people are excluded from decision making, under totalitarian control.

Jane Birkby, North Lincolnshire, England, UK

The USA used to be a loose federation of states. Our civil war changed all that with the conquest of the Southern states by the Northern Union Army. It was a war of not just state against state but brother against brother. Allegiance was the dividing line. An EU army won't necessarily prevent war, it could simply turn on itself. The US civil war was by far our bloodiest.

I had roommates from the middle east during the early 80's who used to hide when their religious robed brotheren would come to visit. They told me they were planning to take over the world. I laughed then...but not anymore. I tend to agree europe has more serious problems may have something new to unify them, namely Islam.

David Scholes, Utah, USA

interesting, so the EU needs a Military force, well Military's cost money and are built for a reason... I wonder hierarchy has in store for us in the future...

steve, Anaheim, CA, USA

As much as I love my European friends, the idea that some Europeans want to form an army sends shivers down my spine. There is no need for such an army, and it will only fall into the hands of the wrong influences. Why not concentrate on making NATO a stronger stabilizing force for the 21st century?

Jorge P., St Catharines, Canada ON

The most European Union's problem is UK and the British special relationship with the US, not because EU is antiAmerican, but because the United States are loosing in Middle East. We cannot change countries like Afghanistan simply fighting and making people vote, because Talebans will come back always if you don't invest money and people to build a modern Afghanistan. This means change American mentality about war and only UK could this. An EU army without a new strategy for foreign policy doesn't mean anything.

Luigi, Milan, Italy

The present Eu is a monetary system, very expensive for citizens, but without a foreign policy and an army .50 years ago the end of a European Union was to control Germany and to manage between Usa and Urss. It was a good idea to survive. Meanwhile Urss collapsed and the US don't win a war since Korea. The big problem for Europe is UK: Europe without UK will be weak. The present UK is weak like Eu and Usa and the middle east wars prove this. Meawhile China is become a superpower and Arabs are a real threat.

Luigi, Milan, Italy

Good idea! We need to stop being the poodles of the US.

Doc M, Glasgow, Scotland

Mrs Merkel is an admirable girl, knows evidently all about the role of European women in politics, from Valkyrias to Jeanne d`Arc. She just kind of forgets the basic fact that Europe isn´t really in the position to build up a credible European defense, unless it want to switch alliance - from the American one to the Russian proposition. It would be rather costly and stupid, might ruin once more the place.
Of the two propositions, both bad today, the old US is better. It would end up drawing the Russians along. That should be the goal.

Pentti Jarvinen, Copenhagen, Denmark

I certainly do feel European more than I consider myself as being a French-German-Pole European citizen... The EU will develop in a federal "state" sooner or later no matter what Britain may think about it. Many Europeans are dissatisfied with the EU as it is right now and the only way to make the EU work is to adopt a federal structure. Of course the USE will not be a " USA" bis but a federation made of nation-states sharing a common army, foreign policy and economy. I don't think britain will be a part of it because if we consider British anti-european feelings , which are mainly due to British politicians' anti-European stance, there is still a long, long way to go. As a continental European, I have the feeling that the only driving force in British politics is to make the EU derail and contain any makor breakthrough. What has been Britain's contribution so far???? Tell me if you find anything .....
Long Live the EU. Happy 5Oth Anniversary.

Saunier, Dinan, FR/European Union

let our soldiers into an organisation run by the current gutless europeans (ie afganistan), you've got to be joking.
the west needs someone to back up the usa on the world stage (however imperfect they may be they are the best chance for democracy we have).
all i can see a european army being used for is the usual left wing suppression of dissent within their own borders.,

scott, brighton, england

The successes of European Union in this 50 years should make people around Europe to reflect upon the new strategies to adopt. I agree with Merkel that an European army is one of the next goal for the Union, but this project has to be included other important issues like a common foreign policy, new infrastructures etc. The future of the world will be composed by powerful and wide union of countries such as Usa, Russia, India-China and other south-east nations together. We have to be united in order to have still influence in the world. For istance, when our foreign policy view is different like in the Iraq war, the result is that UK seems to be slave of US whilst other European countries seem to be irrelevant.

Alessandro, Rome, Italy

If we're to unite with any nations, should it not be with nations that we admire and have actually got some history and culture in common with? A United States of Europe isn't a bad idea in principle, but in reality is totally impossible, especially for the British; some sort of confederation between Canada, Britain, Australia, New-Zealand, even if only a loose one, would be the most breath-taking nation ever proposed in human history, and is completely workable.

We're all in trade blocs in which we're insignificant and that we despise, mutual admiration always assured, common language, culture, history and head of state; a nascent super-power.

I dread to think what the lack of such an idea is analogous to.

Lee, London, England

Its better to create a common language to be use in parallel to each national language. That language should be taught to every citizen of every EU member. National Languages could be the most diviisive element in the world and a common one will unite better than anything else

Enrique, Toa Alta, PR/USA

Forget about the EU wanting its own army for peacekeeping or humanitarian purposes. Jacques Delors revealed the truth intention when he stated that it would be needed to fight "the resource wars of the 21st century" - that is, for the EU to project military power around the world and take control of resources. Which is pretty much how many people see the war in Iraq, of course; but at least our involvement in that was a voluntary act on the part of Blair, supported by the majority of our elected MPs. If the EU acquired an army, it would eventually be financed and controlled by the federal European government - which could well mean it would be end up being commanded by a European President not unlike Bush.

Denis Cooper, Maidenhead,

One should not forget that treaties played an important role why it came to both world wars. And that Europe guarantees that treaties that are made today all go into a peaceful direction.

If you look at a map you will see that Germany has 9 direct neighbours. That is another reason why Europe is an advantage to us because it helps to simplify things.

Despite that a majority here is against the EU. This at least seems to be something where Britains and Germans have something in common.

Stefan Klein, Regensburg, Germany

This is a courageous idea and one that is much needed to help Europe feel more as one.

So sad then if what you say is true, that "Britain" again wants to hide behind the US shield instead of wanting to take the lead in Europe.

Hasn't "Britain" learnt anything from following the US into Iraq and the reckless stupidity of being part of the US war machine.

When Germany talks of armies it is talking about peace keeping, and security, When the Americans talk about armies it is talking about wars: a big difference.

Peter GODDARD, Cheam, England

Europe should already have established their own army, why should they allow their military policies to be controlled by the USA, a country thousands of kilometres away. Why should they have a an arrogant, imperialist country in charge of them. Look at all the suffering and destruction America has brought upon many nations.

Europe should be challenging America's military might and try to be a force for peace, fairness and justice in the world, where the Americans have completely failed.

Usman Ali, London, UK

This is precisely why the EU won't last another fifty years. It is designed by Germans to deal with the war guilt of the Germans,

Christopher Gillibrand, Brussels in exile, Belgium

The Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe (Meaning the Union) was classed as a 'Treaty-just like any other Treaty; according to many of our MP's. It would however, as stated in print clearly (for the first time) have overridden our Constitution and all other laws. Our MP's swear a solemn Oath of Allegiance to the Crown and their own Country and it is to our own Constitution and laws they should look to. In signing TREATIES that override our Constitution is NOT exactly what one would expect of a Member of a British Parliament. We have gone far enough into the EU if not too far already. It is time to repudiate these Treaties and let the others "get on with it" if that is what they want. Remain in the EU is not putting Britain first and it most definitely is not in Britain's interest. Work with our friends on the continent but not ruled or governed by them.
From what I have heard this Morning, the original six signed "Blank" papers.

Anne Palmer, Wolverhampton, England

It is NATO, and the strength of involvement of NATO member nations that has kept peace in Europe for the last 60 years. The last thing the bureaucratic nightmare of Brussels, the EU Commissars and the EU Parliament should have is an EU Army. There are already enough arguments about standardization of many areas and walks of life and foodstuffs like bananas, cucumbers, sausages (vee hav vays of making you comply), that agreement on the size of an EU Army, colour of uniform, badges and markings, ranks, caps, berets and helmets let alone platforms, vehicles, communications, language and weapons systems would make it a nightmare. We had enough problems when the French insisted in NATO that all publications be published in French as well as English and cost more to employ more and more interpreters, and of course the odd misunderstanding. Ms Merkel relax and try and produce a constitution all member nations might accept first before considering this path.

Kenneth Armitage, Suffolk, England

I imagine that an EU Army would be fine, perhaps that would be what the NATO Alliance will ultimately morphs into. I suspect the US having already biten off more than it can chew has a strong possibilitiy of becoming seriously isolationist to the extent that is possible. NATO without the US would more or less be equivalent to NATO currently.

Mark, Wausau, WI, USA

Frau Merkel has a good idea there and in keeping with her SPD Government. Since equipment compatibility is an issue, it is probably a good thing for the Luftwaffe to integrate with the RAF as the Polish Air Force did 1940-1945.

The Bundeswehr could integrate into the British Army in much the same way, especially as German paratroopers and KSK train with British and US Special Forces.

The Bundesmarine could integrate into the Royal Navy and patrol the Baltic and North Atlantic.

The beauty of this arrangement is its simplicity within NATO and the absence of need to harmonise French equipment with NATO kit. I admire Frau Merkel for bringing forth such an idea, and of course operational language to be English. This is a solution to Europe's Defence problems and I think Germany is to be congratulated on bringing forth such a generous proposal

TomTom, Leeds, England

A new constitution after the old one was rejected, recognition that Germany is the biggest and most powerful of the EU partners, now she wants a EU Army. What is this new army to be called the Wehrmacht controlled by the new Fuhrer Mrs Merkel along with the rest of the Euro policies.. Why not go further perhaps she will offer the Horst Wessel as the new EU national anthem.
When will this prat realise that the people of Europe don't want her idea of a Socialist Union of Europe, we want a Europe for free trade/movement not one that subjugates the people to the will of unelected bureaucrats and a one cap fits all policy.
If she is certain that this is what the people want call a EU wide referendum and give the people their say with the provision that unless 100% of the electorate want it she will drop the idea.
Will she do this I doubt it she won't even let her own people have one,
The more ideas she comes out with the more I am inclined to believe it is a move towards german control.

jeff cox, Conifer Grove, New Zealand

What will happen to the army if some of the EU members go to war with each other? Will it be used to stop the war, or will it join one of the sides, forcing the military personnel in the EU army to fight their homeland? The army would be nothing more than a symbol of unity, and a force to send to other areas of the world, which is already being done by the member states. I see it difficult to believe that if the force was to be used to be sent around the world the exact use of it could be agreed on. The army would simply be too much trouble.

Ian Weatherall, Ottawa, ON, Canada

This is just risible. Within 50 years, Europe will be an Islamic theocracy, due to massive, unchecked, unassimilated Muslim immigration, aggressive salafist recruitment through the mosques and from demographic conquest- Old Yurp is not breeding.

Relax, Angela- even if the hapless, incompetent, pacific EU were capable of mounting a standing army structure- there'd be no qualified soldiers to staff it. And, in 50 years, what will be the security threat necessitating an army? Russia? Already in freefall. China? No real interest in Europe. The Islamic threat? Too late to do anything about it...

Eric Greer , Peterborough, ON,