EUobserver, 27 mei 2005, Filipe Rufino
EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - A possible French "no" to the European
Constitution referendum is causing some US defence industry chiefs
concern.
"I am worried about the repercussions in European Foreign and Security
Policy if the French vote no on Sunday", said Robert Bell, a former
NATO and White House official turned defence industry executive.
Speaking on Thursday (26 May) at a conference organized by the New
Defence Agenda, a pro-defence industry forum, Mr Bell added that the EU
needs more defence integration and needs to be up to the challenge of
stabilizing the situation in Kosovo, "which could re-ignite at any
moment", he added.
The US needs a stronger EU with which it can share the burden of
military operations in the world, said a veteran US lobbyist present at
the meeting. "We [the US] are too stretched, and, lets face it, we are
going broke", he added.
The European Constitutional text paves the way for European countries
to increase military cooperation by the means of a "Structured
Cooperation Procedure".
Under the procedure, a smaller number of states could run more
demanding military missions, while others can opt to wait and see from
the sidelines.
But the constitution does not establish a European army and foreign
policy issues remain subject to unanimity by member states.
The constitution also establises a defence agency, open to member
states that wish to participate.
The article states that the agency will "contribute to identifying the
Member States' military capability objectives and evaluating observance
of the capability commitments given by the Member States".
It is also to "promote harmonisation of operational needs and adoption
of effective, compatible procurement methods".
A defence agency has already been established by member states in 2004,
but it still has to find its feet.
"The US Defence market grew by 30% in the last ten years, while in
Europe it remained flat", said Edgar Buckley, a former NATO and UK
Foreign Office official turned military industry entrepreneur.
EU member states' defence budgets "have not even been adjusted for
inflation" according to NATO assistant Secretary General for Defence
investment, Marshall Billingslea.
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