EU makes ‘historic step’ towards integrated defence force
23 European governments sign defence pact bringing decades-long dream of EU army within reach
Europe’s decades-long intention to create an integrated defence force moved a step closer yesterday after 23 EU governments signed a pact to fund, develop and deploy joint armed forces.
Foreign and defence ministers gathered at a signing ceremony in Brussels, paving the way for EU leaders to sign a formal deal in December. Apart from the UK, the pact excludes Denmark, which has opted out of defence matters, and neutral Ireland, Portugal and Malta.
First proposed in the 1950s, an integrated defence policy had long been blocked by Britain. But with the UK set to the leave the bloc and the US pushing Europe to pay more for its security, hopes for unified European defence planning, operations and weapons development “now stands its best chance in years”, says Reuters.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
It also reports that unlike previous Franco-German-led efforts towards integration, the new initiative is supported by Nato, boosting its chances of success.
Speaking in Brussels, Germany’s foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel told reporters the deal represented a “historic step” and “a milestone in European development”.
Supporters of further integration say it will give the EU a more coherent and comprehensive role in tackling international crises while also making it less reliant on the US for logistical support.
The EU initiative, known as Permanent Structured Cooperation, will be backed by a $5bn-a-year defence fund for buying weapons, a fund to finance operations and money from the EU’s common budget for defence research. A national review system will also identify weak spots in European armies with the goal of plugging them.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Despite Brexit, British aerospace and defence firms are pushing for involvement in the initiative amid fears they will lose out to European competitors. While full involvement is unlikely, “in a possible compromise, Britain may be able to join in, but only on an exceptional basis if it provides substantial funds and expertise”, says Reuters.
-
5 seriously spooky cartoons about HalloweenCartoons Artists take on the GOP boogeyman, a white sheet, and more
-
Political cartoons for October 25Cartoons Saturday’s political cartoons include hospital bill trauma, Independence Day, and more
-
Roasted squash and apple soup recipeThe Week Recommends Autumnal soup is full of warming and hearty flavours
-
Sanae Takaichi: Japan’s Iron Lady set to be the country’s first woman prime ministerIn the Spotlight Takaichi is a member of Japan’s conservative, nationalist Liberal Democratic Party
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of TaiwanIn the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Moldova gives decisive win to pro-EU partySpeed Read The country is now on track to join the European Union within five years
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdownIN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
-
China is silently expanding its influence in American citiesUnder the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
-
How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctionsThe Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish
-
One year after mass protests, why are Kenyans taking to the streets again?today's big question More than 60 protesters died during demonstrations in 2024
-
On VE Day, is Europe alone once again?Today's Big Question Donald Trump's rebranding of commemoration as 'Victory Day for World War Two' underlines breakdown of post-war transatlantic alliance