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.
Subscribe to 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.
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.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
5 highly educational cartoons about student protests
Cartoons Artists take on apolitical camping, the National Guard, and more
By The Week US Published
-
French schools and the scourge of teenage violence
Talking Point Gabriel Attal announces 'bold' intervention to tackle rise in violent incidents
By The Week UK Published
-
On the trail of India’s wild lions at Sasan Gir National Park
The Week Recommends The sanctuary is a 'roaring' conservation success
By The Week UK Published
-
How would we know if World War Three had started?
Today's Big Question With conflicts in Ukraine, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific, the 'spark' that could ignite all-out war 'already exists'
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
The issue of women and conscription
Under the radar Ukraine military adviser hints at widening draft to women, as other countries weigh defence options amid global insecurity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Ukraine's unconventional approach to reconstruction
Under the radar Digitally savvy nation uses popular app to file compensation claims, access funds and rebuild destroyed homes
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Will Ukraine's leadership reset work?
Today's Big Question Zelenskyy hints at ousting of popular military chief, but risks backlash amid dwindling munitions, delayed funding and Russian bombardment
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Imran Khan sentenced to 10 years: how powerful is Pakistan's military?
Today's Big Question The country's armed forces ignore country's economic woes, control its institutions and, critics say, engineer election results
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
What is Iran's endgame?
Today's Big Question Tehran seeks to supplant US and Saudi Arabia as dominant power in Middle East while forcing Israel to end Gaza war
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Israel proposes two-month pause in Gaza war in exchange for all Hamas hostages
Speed Read Deal doesn't include an agreement to end war, but might be 'the only path that could lead to a ceasefire', said US officials
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Nato official warns of all-out war with Russia in next 20 years
Speed Read Civilians must prepare for life-changing conflict and mass mobilisation, says military chief
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published