What path for permanent structured cooperation?
"Is Permanent Structured Cooperation a Workable Way Towards EU Defence?" It is around this question that the Madariaga Foundation decided to floor, the next November 30, at lunch time. We all know that the Member States have some difficulty in identifying and implementing this novelty resulting from the Lisbon Treaty. The citizen controversy of the Foundation between the Belgian Minister of Defense, Pieter de Crem, and the British General, David Leakey, should therefore not lack salt.
Between the one who assumes the Belgian presidency of the EU and the former commander of the military staff of the EU who has now regained a certain freedom of speech, we should finally be able to understand what "this thing" is for ( as the General might have said (1). Who will be involved in this structured cooperation? What for? What are the alternatives?... In concrete terms, three questions arise, as the Foundation specifies: « Will member states see an advantage in engaging collectively when the two main European military powers seem to find it preferable to conclude bilateral agreements? Would the constitution of a group of pioneering states offer the EU a chance to strengthen its capacities and its effectiveness, or, on the contrary, would it risk leading to an impasse by reinforcing divisions on questions of leadership? What alternatives does the EU have to consolidate defense capabilities and enable it to play a role commensurate with its global economic weight? ».
In practice : 30 November, 13 p.m. to 14 p.m., Central Council for the Economy, 30-17, avenue de la Joyeuse Entrée - 21 Brussels. To register: info@madariaga.org Or by fax: +32(0)2.209.62.11 Participation: €8/ Students: €3. Sandwiches and drinks provided.
(1) For neophytes of the Gaullist word :-), this word was used by General De Gaulle to designate the UN during a question from a journalist on the Congo.
