"He says the EU needs to prepare for diminished US presence in Europe, and rapidly build up its independence in defence without delays or excuses. He stresses that independence doesn't mean going alone, but building on what is already there, strengthening the European arm of Nato. Again, that's clearly a response to Rutte's comments earlier this week. He also says that Europe needs to develop pan-European capabilities, not only national ones, as some gaps are so big they can only be filled together."
"Kallas also sent a warning shot to EU countries trying to occasionally obstruct the bloc's policies, particularly on Russia, saying this must not be tolerated. Let's face it, Europe can be slow. Unanimity means we can not always act at the speed of relevance. Of course, there are policy differences among member states. This is all natural, but unanimity is also used by some as a bargaining tool. And it cannot be that one country's veto defines the policy for others."
Denmark's prime minister warned that the existing world order is over and unlikely to return. EU defence officials urged preparation for a reduced US presence in Europe and rapid strengthening of European defence independence without delays. Independence should build on existing structures and reinforce the European arm of Nato rather than go it alone. Calls were made for pan-European capabilities to address gaps that national efforts cannot fill and for a new European Security Council to improve political coordination on defence. Concerns were raised about member states using unanimity and vetoes to obstruct collective policy, particularly on Russia, with attention on upcoming Hungarian elections.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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