Sign in Subscribe
United Kingdom

EU Leaders Set to Agree Defence Deal Amid Controversy over European Rapid Reaction Force

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

European Union leaders are set to agree a defence deal at their summit in Nice, France, which Britain claims backs its stance on the proposed European Rapid Reaction Force. The deal, which was due to be signed today, would see the EU using Nato planning capabilities, a move snubbed by French President Jacques Chirac who wanted to see a planning and command capacity independent of Nato.

Despite controversy over the deal, British Prime Minister Tony Blair insists that the initiative complements Nato and does not involve the establishment of a European army. The deal would also see the EU agreeing to the re-weighting of votes in the European Council to pave the way for enlargement from 15 to 28 nations.

At the same time, leaders are expected to plunge into talks on reforming the EU's institutions and voting structures. The summit agenda also includes seeking agreement on how to limit the size of the EC as more countries join, the re-weighting of votes, and the surrender of veto powers in certain areas.

British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook has insisted that the force would only act where Nato has decided not to act, and would not be used for the establishment of a European army. However, a move that was seen as a snub to French President Jacques Chirac, who wanted a planning and command capacity independent of Nato.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EU leaders are set to agree a defence deal that would see the EU using Nato planning capabilities.
  • The deal would see the EU's European Rapid Reaction Force using Nato's planning capacity and chain of command.
  • The initiative complements Nato and does not involve the establishment of a European army, according to British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
  • The deal would also see the EU agreeing to the re-weighting of votes in the European Council to pave the way for enlargement from 15 to 28 nations.
  • The summit agenda includes seeking agreement on how to limit the size of the EC as more countries join, the re-weighting of votes, and the surrender of veto powers in certain areas.
  • British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook has insisted that the force would only act where Nato has decided not to act.
  • The deal was expected to be signed today, but the summit is likely to continue on Sunday if necessary.

Statistics:

  • The European Rapid Reaction Force would be 60,000-strong.
  • The EU's population stands at 15 nations, with the option for enlargement to 28 nations.
  • The re-weighting of votes in the European Council is expected to pave the way for greater British influence on EU decision-making.

Sources:

  • [1] BBC News: "EU leaders set to agree defence deal" (no date provided)
  • [2] The Guardian: "Blair claims EU defence deal will boost Britain's security" (no date provided)
  • [3] BBC News: "EU summit: What is at stake?" (no date provided)

Read more