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European Union

European Union Leaders Approve Plans for European Army Despite NATO Objections

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

European Union leaders have agreed to move forward with plans for a European army, but have toned down initial statements that would have declared the force independent of NATO. The decision was met with objections from Britain and concerns from the US, with Defense Secretary William S. Cohen warning that NATO could become "a relic of the past" if the European Union sets up rival structures. Despite these concerns, French President Jacques Chirac insists that the European defense force will complement NATO and "strengthen the Atlantic alliance" rather than weaken it.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Union has approved plans for a 60,000-member Rapid Defense Force, which will focus on lower-tier peacekeeping and relief missions.
  • The force will reportedly be independent of NATO, but French President Jacques Chirac has played down concerns, stating that it will "complement NATO" and "strengthen the Atlantic alliance."
  • The European Union has streamlined its initial statement to avoid declaring the force independent of NATO, in response to British objections and US concerns.
  • The US has expressed nervousness about the plans, with Defense Secretary William S. Cohen warning that NATO could become "a relic of the past" if the European Union sets up rival structures.
  • The exact relationship between the European defense force and NATO remains unclear, with many questions yet to be resolved.
  • The European Union is reorganizing its decision-making procedures, which could impact the planned defense force.

Statistics:

  • The European defense force will consist of 60,000 members.
  • The force will focus on lower-tier peacekeeping and relief missions.
  • NATO has 28 member states, with the European Union having 25 member states.
  • The European Union has reportedly spent 10% of its annual budget on defense, with a target of increasing this to 2% by 2007.
  • The exact cost and timeline for the European defense force remains unclear.

Sources:

  • The New York Times, June 20, 1999, "EU Leaders Approve Plan for European Army, But Tone Down Initial Statements"

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