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.
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
-
Why Bhutan hopes tourists will put a smile back on its face
Under The Radar The 'kingdom of happiness' is facing economic problems and unprecedented emigration
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
7 beautiful towns to visit in Switzerland during the holidays
The Week Recommends Find bliss in these charming Swiss locales that blend the traditional with the modern
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
The Week contest: Werewolf bill
Puzzles and Quizzes
By The Week US Published
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cuba's energy crisis
The Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published