EU takes step toward joint army
(Worthy News) – The vast majority of EU states have agreed to create what some have called the nucleus of a joint army.
Twenty three out of 28 EU states signed the declaration in Brussels on Monday (13 November), prior to making a legally binding pledge at an EU summit next month.
Britain, Denmark, Ireland, Malta, and Portugal stayed out.
But some of them, such as Ireland, indicated they might join in time for the summit. Britain, which is leaving the EU, could also take part under special conditions. [ Source: EU Observer (Read More…) ]
EU launches new era in defense cooperation
European Union countries on Monday officially launched a new era in defense cooperation with a program of joint military investment and project development aimed at helping the EU confront its security challenges.
Twenty-three of the EU’s 28 member nations signed up to the process, known as permanent structured cooperation, or PESCO. Britain, which is leaving the EU in 2019, and Denmark with a defense opt-out were among those not taking part.
EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini described it as a “historic moment in European defense,” and added that “23 member states engaging booth on capabilities and on operational steps is something big.” Those who didn’t sign up can join later. [ Source: Washington Times (Read More…) ]