French Defence Minister: Georgia was torn into pieces in 2008, then it was Ukraine’s turn
Defence Minister of France Florence Parly says that the repetition of the conflicts similar to those in Georgia and Ukraine will not only be a catastrophe but also a signal for the US. Photo: ouest-france.
Tweet 
Share
Defence Minister of France Florence Parly has spoken about the importance of close cooperation between the US and the EU and used Georgia and Ukraine as examples, saying that the repetition of such conflicts will seriously affect both the EU and the United States.
European countries have moved to strengthen their capabilities as the continent’s security environment has been sorely tested. In 2008, Georgia was torn into pieces. In 2014, it was Ukraine’s turn,” Parly stated at the Atlantic Council, in Washington yesterday.
Parly says that if any of the NATO member states is attacked in that way as Georgia and Ukraine, it will not only be a catastrophe, but also a signal that US influence has sharply diminished.
Amid criticism from US President Donald Trump regarding low defense expenditure amongst other NATO countries Parly said that France will do its best, along with the European nations, to take a larger share of the burden.
Deux remarques :
— Florence Parly (@florence_parly) March 18, 2019
1️⃣ Une Europe forte n’est pas synonyme d’un lien transatlantique distendu.
2️⃣ L’Europe doit intégrer le fait qu’une menace contre un Européen est une menace contre tous les Européens. 4/6 pic.twitter.com/2eyVDkfQfv
But, she continued, “we will call it ‘autonomy,’ and we will count on you to hear in this word nothing [other] than the bonds of a healthy, independent and robust friendship.”
Trump has also been critical of calls for European nations to form a common European defence force or strengthen their self-defence capabilities.
When French President Emmanuel Macron called for a “true, European army,” on November 6, Trump lambasted the idea, suggesting that it was an effort to “protect Europe against the US,” the Atlantic Council said.
Parly claimed that “building European autonomy should never be seen as a move against the United States,” nor should it “be a reason for the US to be less engaged.”
She stated that steps to strengthen Europe’s capabilities would help ease the burden off of Washington, especially as it shifts focus away from Europe and towards more pressing regions in East Asia and the Middle East.