It would be a very good idea to start mapping the EU's combined global base network. Because I think it's underrated.

Also, Africa.

That is, the EU is not gearing up to fight a naval war in the straits of Taiwan. But it (well, France and the UK and at times on opposite sides) still has a large and not always benign influence on politics in Africa, with a lot of interventions.

Which doesn't require more than a few thousand troops plus overwhelming firepower at a time.

More aircraft carriers will mean more interventionism in Africa and parts of the Middle East.

I'm optimistic that the carrier plans are going to be scaled down and postponed, though. The money has to be spent on banks right now...