More EU Defence

November 18, 2012 Think Defence

After a meeting in Paris on the 15th of November, the defence and foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain issued a joint statement about the future of EU defence;

We, Foreign Affairs Ministers and Ministers of Defence of France, Germany, Italy,  Poland and Spain, met today in Paris to confirm our readiness to foster an ambitious European policy in the field of security and defence. Much has been achieved in the last ten  years. The start of three new missions this year is proof of the EU’s ability to act. However,  threats to security, including in the European neighbourhood, call for decisive actions.  Europeans must take share of responsibility to respond more actively to the challenges  ahead in order to guarantee Europe’s security

The French foreign minister was quick to extend an invitation to the UK;

The text which we have developed is open to all of our colleagues, especially Great Britain

The main event will be in 2013, when a full EU defence summit will take place.

Clearly and obviously, the UK is sitting on the sidelines but where does this leave the Anglo French defence cooperation agreement, EU nations involvement with NATO and the defence industrial landscape?

Read the full text here