Luxembourg would participate in a common European Army, the country's Defence Minister has said, but the creation of such a military body depends on a number of factors.

The question was raised after European Commission Chief Jean-Claude Juncker proposed the idea of a common military force in Europe in an interview with “Welt am Sonntag” in March this year.

Responding this week, Etienne Schneider said: “When appropriate and depending on the configuration chosen for the establishment of a common European Army, Luxembourg would adequately ensure its contribution.”

The minister said that given the current political situation, creating such a body would require long-term perspectives and presents some challenges.

“A defence strategy and common European Army would require the consensus of EU member states on a number of politically complex questions,” he said, adding: “Elsewhere, such an army could contribute towards guaranteeing the role of the European Union as a security body as well as reinforcing security along its external borders.”

As well as highlighting the money saving advantages, the minister concluded by saying that such a military force could only be implemented if it served to complement the military forces already created by NATO.

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