Europeans launch new defence alliance

A loose defence alliance is forming in Europe, says Der Standard:

“As the US withdraws from Europe, a restructuring is once again underway, as seen at the grand military parade in Paris on 14 July. A formation representing a ‘Coalition of the Willing’ marched in the parade. This coalition was launched by France and the government of the UK, which is no longer an EU member. Their aim is that if a ceasefire is reached in Ukraine, ‘the willing’ are to secure it militarily. This is a diverse coalition of 35 states – excluding the US – almost all of which are members of Nato and/or the EU, including Germany, Italy, Poland and Romania. Norway is involved, as is neutral Austria. An EU military union therefore remains, for the time being, a pipe dream. A new, loose European alliance is a more realistic prospect.”