EU makes ‘historic step’ towards integrated defence force

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.

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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.