25 ‘Europen Union’ nations signed the landmark PESCO pact to establish closer defence ties.
The projects is seen as a major step towards establishing the ‘Eurpoean Defence Union’.
How is EU’s security apparatus evolving?
Establishing a military headquarters for co-ordinating overseas European security operations was approved earlier this year.
This was followed by the announcement for setting up a 5.5-billion euro European Defence Fund. ‘
Currently, the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) has been signed.
This seeks to tighten defence & improve coordination in the development of new military hardware among signatory countries.
Notably, earlier efforts to deepen military links among EU members had failed for decades mainly due to Britain’s opposition.
But Brexit and Russia’s annexation of Crimea has brought the limelight back to the need for a strong European security treaty.
What are the specifics of PESCO?
Touted as EU’s most ambitious project, PESCO’s primary focus is slated to be defending Europe and complementing NATO.
Membership - Participation in PESCO is voluntary and those opt out now can join later if all founding members approve of it.
Currently, Britain, Denmark, Malta & Ireland are the only EU members who haven’t taken up the deal.
PESCO has provisions for non-member non-EU countries to take part in specific missions but without a role in decision making.
Commitments - A commitment to regularly increase defence budgets in real terms has be reached.
Countries have pledged to provide ‘substantial support’ in the form of personnel, equipment, training & infrastructure for joint European military missions.
Also, devoting 20% of defence spending to procurement and 2% on research and technology has been agreed upon.
Significantly, PESCO will subject member countries to an annual review and failure to meet commitments could lead to termination of membership.
What are the expectations?
Crisis Response Core & Cyber Rapid Response Teams are to be developed under German & Lithuanian leadership respectively.
Harmonising weapons systems by developing new equipments such as tanks & submarine drones are expected to be taken up.
PESCO may also lead to the creation of a European military hospital or logistics hub in future.
