France reassures Nato: no need to be afraid of EU army

FRANCE’S armed forces minister told Nato partners not to be “afraid” of an EU army as she urged her international counterparts to embrace the prospect.

Florence Parly insisted that the creation of an EU military force would not undermine the transatlantic alliance.

EU plans for a rapid-reaction military unit, designed to operate independently of the US, sparked fears that the bloc would be in competition with Nato.

At a meeting of Nato defence ministers, Ms Parly told colleagues: “When I hear some defensive statements on Europe defence and when I observe certain threats, including within this organisation, I say, ‘Don’t be afraid’.

“European defence isn’t built in opposition to Nato, quite the contrary: a stronger Europe will contribute to a strengthened and more resilient alliance.”

Britain backed calls for the EU to play a supporting role to Nato. But Ben Wallace, the Defence Secretary, dismissed proposals to build a European army as a “red herring”.