Defense priorities of the French presidency: what do Europeans think?

(B2) Although the Franco-British summit in Saint-Malo, ten years ago, made it possible to create a European Defense and Security policy from scratch, this still remains very variable in geometry. Progress is often the result of a small group of countries which choose to move forward on a specific subject (aircraft A400M, H90 helicopter, pilot training, etc.).

• Reinforcement of means. France's ambition to give more resources to European structures (European headquarters, European defense agency, etc.) is supported by its traditional allies (Belgium, Spain, etc.), the Nordics and the "neutrals" (Austria, Ireland) but also - which is new - by the countries of Eastern Europe (Poland, Romania). On the other hand, the United Kingdom – especially at the level of the Foreign Office – remains, in principle, hostile to it; even if its nationals often hold key positions in European politics (General Staff, Solana's entourage, etc.).

• Funding common. Only a small part of the military operations is financed by all the Member States (contribution calculated according to the GDP). Germany, and generally the “rich” countries, are reluctant to extend the share of the “common” budget. The United Kingdom is stuck with its engagement in Afghanistan and Iraq, which is costing it more and more (cf. house of commons report).

• Military capabilities. Most countries, including the UK, agree to better cooperate to share some means (helicopters, planes, training centers) or experiments. Europe makes it possible to find an à la carte solution, in the face of tight national budgets. It remains to take action...

• Defense markets. France, Italy, Sweden and Germany were rather reluctant to the Commission's proposal to abolish internal borders for defense contracts. Putting more locks on this opening could change that mindset.

• NATO-EU cooperation. The strengthening of cooperation requires the signing of information agreements which is blocked by Turkey on one side, Cyprus on the other, because of political problems (the separation of the island).

• A 27 or 26 ? Denmark does not participate in defense policy. But the Nordic kingdom is considering reconsidering this position by organizing a referendum to reintegrate Defense Europe. Opposite movement in Ireland where after the No to the referendum, one thinks of the means of "exiting" at least symbolically from the Europe of Defense.