EU signs landmark defence pact

THE EU moved towards closer defence ties yesterday with more than 20 states signing a landmark pact that aims to boost cooperation after Brexit and counteract Russian pressure.

Similar efforts to deepen military links have been frustrated for decades, partly by Britain’s fierce opposition to anything that might lead to a European army.

But Brexit and Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 has once again brought the need for a strong European security stance back into focus.

The EU’s diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini hailed the agreement as “a new page of European defence” as she arrived for the meeting of foreign and defence ministers where the deal will be signed.

The permanent structured cooperation on defence agreement (Pesco) seeks to improve EU coordination on defence and weapons systems development.

It is part of efforts led by Germany and France to reboot the EU after Britain’s decision to leave and follows the announcement in June of a billion (R93-billion) European Defence Fund.

The pact’s backers say it will complement Nato, which will keep its primary role in defending Europe.

The notice of intent pledges that countries will provide “substantial support” in areas including personnel, equipment, training and infrastructure” for EU military missions.

It also commits countries to “regularly increasing defence budgets in real terms”, as well as devoting 20% of defence spending to procurement and 2% on research and technology.

“We have more than 20 member states . . . not just signing paper – undertaking commitments in terms of spending on defence and joint projects,” an EU official said.

Pesco could lead to the creation of a European military hospital or logistics hub, but will first focus on projects to develop new military equipment with the aim of harmonising weapons systems and eliminating gaps in capabilities.

France, Germany, Spain and Italy are among the nations signing up.

Britain and Denmark will not, along with Ireland, which is still considering the issue.

Participation in Pesco is voluntary and those who choose to sit out now can join later – subject to approval by the early adopters.

Countries that are not in the EU can also take part in specific missions – opening the way to possible participation by nuclear power Britain after it leaves the bloc in 2019 – though they will have no role in decision-making.

In March, ministers approved plans to create an embryonic military headquarters to coordinate EU overseas security operations.

Countries that sign up to Pesco will be subject to an annual review to make sure they stick to their commitments – and could be thrown out if they do not.

The pact has revealed strains between Paris and Berlin, with the French pushing for a smaller group of nations committed to ambitious projects, including possible foreign interventions such as in Libya or Mali.

Germany pushed for as many members as possible undertaking more modest schemes. With more than 20 of the 28 current EU members signing up, Berlin’s vision looks to have won the day.

But a defence expert who advises the European Parliament, Frederic Mauro, said he was “deeply sceptical” about the pact’s final form.

“The Germans say respect unity and proceed modestly at the start with a field hospital, joint officers’ colleges . . . all these little projects won’t help the EU’s independent capacity,” Mauro said. “It has no chance of working.” — AFP