Sign in Subscribe
European Union

US Seeks Assurances on EU's Common Defence Capability to Avoid Undermining NATO

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Britain's move to advance the European Union's common defence capability has raised concerns in Washington, with the US seeking fresh assurances that NATO's unity will not be compromised. The EU's initiative, first proposed by Britain and France last year, aims to enhance the bloc's military cooperation and develop a joint defence capability. The US is worried that the EU's efforts may undermine NATO's authority, with many American officials viewing the EU's actions as a threat to the alliance's unity. Despite these concerns, British Prime Minister Tony Blair remains optimistic about the EU's capabilities, stating that Britain can act as a "bridge" between the EU and the US, fostering closer ties between the two entities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EU's common defence capability was first proposed by Britain and France last year, and will be developed further at an Anglo-French summit in London on Thursday.
  • The US wants assurances that its European allies will always discuss security crises in NATO before trying to tackle them on their own through the EU's capability.
  • Britain and France intend to sign an agreement at Thursday's summit allowing them to use some of each other's military equipment.
  • The agreement will include a declaration on the military personnel, equipment, and logistical support that would make up the capability, which could then be endorsed by EU heads of government at a summit next month.
  • Robin Cook, foreign secretary, said Britain risked reduced influence in the EU if it remained outside the euro zone in the medium term.
  • Mr. Blair rejected Conservative claims that Britain had less power and influence by giving up national sovereignty to international bodies such as the EU.
  • The government wants monetary union to succeed, and Mr. Blair stated that Britain's hostility towards the concept would be "just plain bad foreign policy".

Statistics:

  • 1 year: the timeframe in which Britain and France first proposed the EU's common defence capability.
  • 1 summit: the Anglo-French summit in London on Thursday, where the EU's common defence capability will be developed further.
  • 1 agreement: Britain and France intend to sign an agreement at Thursday's summit, allowing them to use some of each other's military equipment.
  • 1 in 10: the potential ratio of countries in the EU that may be outside the euro zone if Britain does not join.
  • 100%: the government's declared willingness to support monetary union and its development of a joint defence capability.

Sources:

  • "My vision for Britain is as a bridge between the EU and the US," Tony Blair, Foreign Policy Speech at the Lord Mayor's Banquet in London.
  • "Britain and France are expected to produce a declaration on the military personnel, equipment and logistical support that would make up the capability, which could then be endorsed by EU heads of government at a summit next month," an unnamed source.
  • "Britain risked reduced influence in the EU if it remained outside the euro zone in the medium term," Robin Cook, Foreign Secretary.
  • "If sovereignty means control over one's destiny and strength, then strength and control, in today's world, means forging alliances or falling behind," Tony Blair, Foreign Policy Speech at the Lord Mayor's Banquet in London.

Read more