Berlin: Massive re-armament of EU

BERLIN Politicians from government and opposition demanded the rapid unification of the military policy of the EU and the build-up of a heavily armed EU Army. This was ,,unconditionally"necessary if the EU was to play its proportionate role in future as a ,,world player", it was said.

At a conference of the Frankfurter Allgemeine newspaper, Radio Deutschland Berlin and the Centre for Associated Political Research, Foreign Minister Fischer explained that, as a matter of extreme urgency, the European Union must develop into a ,,European Security and Defence Union"or it would only be able to play a subsidiary role in international security policy, as against Russia and the United States. Federal Chancellor Schroeder had already declared in October 2001 that the EU must use its ,,world political potential"and, in particular, build up its military potential.

The CDU Party Chairman Merkel complained at the conference against the growing military and technical backwardness against the only super power, the USA and demanded a massive strengthening of European ,,Defence Capability".In view of the dramatic inferiority of the Europeans, may more ,,security and defence-political efforts must be undertaken". From the USA Merkel demanded that ,,they should be more open with the Europeans"and ,,give up secrecy in several technical and scientific areas". The CDU Chairman said that strength in foreign policy would develop from the military strength of the EU.

,,A Ridiculous (Laughable) Troop"

The former Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, Naumann, demanded vehemently a strengthening of the military capabilities of the EU. Europe must grasp that it is a global power. In economic terms, it fills this role. On the other hand, politically it is a dwarf. The planned European Intervention Force of 60,000 was a ridiculous troop ( ,,laecherliche Truppe"), said Naumann. Additionally, the target of making the force operational by 2003 would not be achieved.

Sources: Fischer: Debate over far right offers an opportunity. Merkel demands an improvement in military capabilities from the Europeans. ,,Fazit: Europa"in Berlin, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung 06.06.2002
Angela Merkel: Europe must believe in itself; Frankfurter Allgemeiner Zeitung 08.06.2002


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