On
defence, my position is that in the long-term Europe must have its own capabilities
and the ability to defend itself. It is always better to count on one’s force. Moreover,
that’s the way to keep an independent international policy and decide about the
involvement in other people’s conflicts and other strategic moves.
It
is also the best approach to a balanced relationship with Europe’s key allies, with
the US. Indeed, the defence relationship with the US will continue to be a
crucial dimension of the European security strategy. However, it cannot remain
a lopsided relationship. Europe must be much stronger, closer to the capacity
of the US. That would bring balance to the alliance, something that does not
exist today and compromises tremendously the interests of both parties. And
that puts Europe in a weaker standing.
The
road to the long-term objective starts today. For that reason, I agree with
those who place the question on today’s EU agenda. I also acknowledge that such
discussion and the subsequent plans must not undermine the strength of NATO.
They call however for a clear understanding of the roles, in the future, that
NATO and the EU Defence should play. That basically means that NATO and Europe
will have to coordinate the way they will evolve in the coming years. Transformation
for both is inevitable.
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